[UPDATED] Syed Saddiq to enter defence in money laundering trial

KUALA LUMPUR – The high court here has ordered Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman to enter his defence in his criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of funds, and money laundering trial. 

Judicial commissioner Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid, in delivering his decision at 9.55am, said the prosecution has successfully proved a prima facie case against the incumbent Muar MP. 

Today’s decision effectively means Syed Saddiq, 29, will have to defend himself in the four charges that were levelled against him.

“I have reviewed the prosecution’s case, and after giving my consideration based on the law, I am satisfied that in all four charges, the prosecution was able to prove a prima facie case. 

“With this, the accused is ordered to defend himself for all charges,” Azhar said today. 

Gobind Singh Deo, who represented Syed Saddiq, said his client will give a statement under oath in the coming defence trial – entailing cross-examination by the prosecutors – and will also be one of 15 witnesses to be called in as part of the defence case. 

Taking into consideration the upcoming general election, Azhar agreed to move the defence trial to next year. 

The court has set February 22 to 24, March 13 and 14, and April 10 to 14 as trial dates. 

Syed Saddiq had earlier arrived at the court complex around 9.10am, donning a dark blue blazer and light brown pants, greeted by some 30 of his supporters. 

He had briefly waved to the media before entering the complex. 

The prosecution had previously closed its case against Syed Saddiq on September 27 after questioning 30 witnesses in the trial, which started back in May. 

Among the witnesses that were called included Syed Saddiq’s parents – Shariffah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz and Syed Abdul Rahman Abdullah Alsagoff – and Rafiq Hakim Razali, who is the former assistant treasurer of Bersatu Youth wing. 

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigating officers Nurul Hidayah Kamarudin, Syahmeizy Sulong, and Asbi Munip were also called in to testify. 

In his first charge under Section 406 of the Penal Code, Syed Saddiq was accused of abetting Rafiq with CBT of RM1 million in funds belonging to his party’s youth wing on March 6, 2020, when he was the chief. 

The Muda co-founder was also charged under Section 403 of the Penal Code for allegedly misappropriating RM120,000 belonging to Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise for himself between April 8 and 21, 2018. 

He also faces two counts of engaging in money laundering activities involving two transactions of RM50,000 each, believed to be proceeds from unlawful activities on June 16 and 19, 2018, and was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. 

Deputy public prosecutors Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin and Mohd Afif Ali prosecuted, while Gobind and Haijan Omar represented Syed Saddiq. – The Vibes, October 28, 2022