THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has announced its intention to appeal to the Federal Court following the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman of multiple corruption charges.
The MACC confirmed the move shortly after the appellate court unanimously overturned Syed Saddiq’s conviction and sentence, which previously included seven years’ imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a RM10 million fine.
“I have been informed by the Deputy Public Prosecutor about today’s decision, and an appeal to the Federal Court will be filed,” said MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki during a press conference at the agency’s headquarters on Wednesday.
Asked whether the outcome was disappointing in light of the commission’s investigation efforts, Azam replied, “I have no personal feelings towards anyone. There is neither disappointment nor satisfaction in investigating any case,” Berita Harian quoted him as saying.
The Court of Appeal’s decision came after a three-judge panel led by Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, along with Datuk Azman Abdullah and Datuk Noorin Badaruddin, unanimously allowed the appeal filed by the former Youth and Sports Minister.
Syed Saddiq had been convicted in the High Court in 2023 on charges of criminal breach of trust, misuse of property and money laundering involving funds linked to BERSATU’s youth wing, ARMADA.
While the appellate court’s ruling has brought a temporary legal reprieve for Syed Saddiq, the matter will now proceed to the Federal Court for a final determination, pending the prosecution’s formal appeal. - June 25, 2025
