KOTA KINABALU – The charges against Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman in court are an attempt to politically assassinate and tarnish the young leader’s political career, said Warisan secretary-general Datuk Loretto Padua.
He said it was obvious the Muda founder was hauled to court over criminal breach of trust and abusing election funds only after he declined to back embattled prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s waning Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration.
“Why charge him now? What is clear is that these charges came about after Syed Saddiq declined persuasions and threats to support PN,” said Padua in a statement issued tonight.
Syed Saddiq pleaded not guilty to misappropriating RM1 million belonging to Bersatu, his former party, earlier today. He was also charged with misusing a RM120,000 donation for the 2018 general election campaign.
The probe into the case started in June after consent to prosecute was given in August last year.
Outside the court, Syed Saddiq had questioned the timing of the charges, saying they come soon before a special Parliament sitting scheduled on July 26.
Padua also praised Syed Saddiq for standing by his innocence, saying this shows Malaysia still has hope for its young leaders.
“Syed Saddiq needs not be afraid, and must continue fighting against injustice. He does not need to worry as Malaysians hate suppression and injustice.
“History has proven that those who abuse power to suppress the people will be punished by the people, as in the 14th general election,” said Padua, referring to Pakatan Harapan’s poll victory against Barisan Nasional in 2018.
Padua said Warisan also experienced the same, with party leaders being remanded on corruption charges for being vocal and opposing the ruling coalition.
He said Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, vice-president Datuk Peter Anthony and youth chief Datuk Azis Jamman were remanded on corruption charges ahead of the 14th general election.
“Like Syed Saddiq, they too maintained their principles and refused to surrender against their oppressors,” he said. – The Vibes, July 22, 2021
