Syed Saddiq's fate hangs in balance as Federal Court hears final appeal

The Federal Court of Malaysia is set to determine the final fate of Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, ruling on whether he will be acquitted or imprisoned for charges of criminal breach of trust. The decision, expected today, carries significant weight for the former youth and sports minister.

Should the prosecution's final appeal be successful, Syed Saddiq would be taken directly to prison to serve a seven-year sentence. This sentence could be extended by an additional four years if he fails to pay a RM10 million fine imposed by the courts. The outcome is also being watched as a potential early wedding gift, as Syed Saddiq is engaged to singer Bella Astillah.

Syed Saddiq's defense team, led by lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, has expressed confidence in an acquittal, citing the facts and legal arguments. Conversely, the prosecution, represented by Deputy Head of Trials and Appeals II Datuk Wan Shahruddin Wan Ladin, remains optimistic, stating they have performed their duties and await the court's decision.

In November 2023, the Kuala Lumpur High Court found Syed Saddiq guilty of four charges. These included abetting a former treasurer in misappropriating RM1 million in funds and misusing RM120,000 for personal gain. He was also convicted of two money laundering charges involving the transfer of RM50,000 from his personal account, which were proceeds of illegal activity. The High Court judge described Syed Saddiq's defense as "incoherent."

However, on June 25, 2025, a three-judge panel at the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court's decision, acquitting and discharging Syed Saddiq. The appellate court found the charges against him baseless and ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the abetment offense, even at the prima facie stage. The panel also noted that directing someone to withdraw funds could not be considered misappropriation.

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Alhamdulillah we the prosecution have done our best and we leave it to the Federal Court to make a decision.