Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, accepted today’s High Court decision with an open heart, but will continue to file an appeal to prove his innocence.
“I accept it with an open heart, I agree and understand that today’s decision is not an easy decision to swallow because it is a decision that has been convicted (of wrongdoing).
“Even if I get a stay of execution of the sentence, I have to appeal to the Court of Appeal. But for now, I accept all the sentences as they are,” he said in a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex here today.
Earlier, he was sentenced to seven years in prison and two lashes and fined RM10 million after being found guilty of four charges of breach of trust, misappropriation of money and money laundering of ARMADA BERSATU funds, this morning.
Syed Saddiq, who is also a Member of Parliament for Muar for two terms, said he and his lawyers will file an appeal at the Court of Appeal, this evening.
“I have already discussed with the lawyers and they informed that we have a good case to file as soon as possible to the Court of Appeal level.
“This is so that in the end it is the judicial institution and the court that will be the final decider of my fate and be the best field to clear my name,” he said.
He said he still has faith in the country’s judicial institutions but respects all decisions made in court.
‘As one of the policy makers, I have to put faith in the country’s judicial institutions, today, before and in the future.
“Usually it is the last bastion for Malaysians and there is no difference between me and other citizens. If others have to respect the court’s decision, I also have to respect the court’s decision,” he said.
Following the decision of the High Court, Syed Saddiq said, he will give the final say on the future of his political career with the MUDA party at a party meeting this evening.
Syed Saddiq, 30, said he had been thinking about his political future since before the court decision, but today, as a party’s man, the matter should be discussed with the leadership of the MUDA party.
“For my political future, I will hold an emergency meeting with the MUDA leadership at 4pm this afternoon.
“I have made my stand regarding my political future. It’s just that ‘as a party’s man’, I need to discuss it with the party so that it can be finalized with me,” he said.
It is understood that a press conference will be held by Syed Saddiq together with the leadership of MUDA at 5 pm this afternoon immediately after the meeting.
