Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq can finally feel relief after five long years. The politician has been acquitted of all corruption charges and escaped a prison sentence, a multimillion ringgit fine and caning.
Earlier today (25th June 2025, Wednesday), a three-judge Court of Appeal panel led by Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim unanimously acquitted Syed of his corruption and money laundering charges after allowing his appeal. With this, the Court of Appeal set aside the former Youth and Sports Minister’s conviction, seven-year prison sentence, RM10 million fine and two strokes of the cane.
In July 2021, Syed, who was then the wing chief of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Armada), entrusted with control of Armada funds, was charged with abetting Bersatu assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali in committing criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM1 million of the organisation’s funds. He was also charged with misusing property for personal gain and faced two counts of money laundering.
When reading the unanimous decision, Justice Noorin Badaruddin said the lower court erred when it failed to evaluate the evidence and the legal elements required to prove the charges against Syed. She added, “We reviewed and found the judge failed to consider all the evidence in the case and that there was a serious lapse in the decision-making process. The judge must explain how his logic considered all the evidence in the defence.”
Following the verdict, Syed appeared in front of the attending press. Then, along with his family members, he performed a sujud syukur (bowing to show gratitude) prompted by his father. Also making an appearance at the courthouse to show support for the politician was actress Bella Astillah. The actress sat with Syed’s family members in court and was seen comforting them after the verdict.
It must have been a relief for Syed to be acquitted of his charges. Supporters also expressed gratitude over the verdict through social media.
Check out some videos from the courthouse after Syed was acquitted:
@utusantvofficial Replying to @rohanahashim12325 JUN 25: Keputusan sebulat suara itu dibuat panel tiga hakim yang diketuai Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim. Panel tiga hakim itu membuat keputusan sedemikian selepas membenarkan rayuan Syed Saddiq selaku perayu untuk mengetepikan sabitan dan hukuman oleh Mahkamah Tinggi sebelum ini. 📽 UtusanTV #bass #bellaastillah #SyedSaddiq #beritaditiktok #fyp #trendingnewsmalaysia
@utusantvofficial 25 JUN 25: Suasana di Mahkamah Rayuan Putrajaya selepas mengetahui keputusan Syed Saddiq dilepas dan dibebaskan sebentar tadi. 📽 UtusanTV. #trendingnewsmalaysia #fyp #beritaditiktok #SyedSaddiq #bellaastillah #bass
Sources: New Straits Times, MalayMail, Free Malaysia Today
