Proven Corruption, Former Malaysian Minister Syed Saddiq Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison Plus Fines IDR 33.43 Billion

Screenshot of former Malaysian Menpora Syed Saddiq gave a statement to the media after the trial at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, Thursday (9/11/2023). (ANTARA/Virna P Setyorini)

KUALA LUMPUR - Former Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Syed Syaddiq was sentenced to seven years in prison after a judge at the Kuala Lumpur High Court found himself guilty on four charges related to funds from a political party wing organization.

Syed Saddiq (30) told the media after undergoing trial in Kuala Lumpur, saying he respects the decision of the judge and the Kuala Lumpur High Court. And as one of the policymakers he said he must put his trust in state judicial institutions, from the beginning, now to the future.

He also said he had discussed with his lawyer and it was possible to file an appeal as soon as possible.

The former Minister of Youth and Sports in the era of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he would use the judiciary to clear his name, and still respect the decision made by the panel of judges today.

The panel of judges Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid sentenced the young politician to a total prison sentence of seven years, two lashes, a fine of 10 million Malaysian ringgit (RM) or around Rp. 33.43 billion to the young politician, on charges of violating trust, misappropriation, money laundering from the United Children's United Forces fund which is a youth wing organization from the Malaysian United Pribumi Party.

Syed Saddiq is the first founding member and President of the United Democratic Alliance of Malaysia (MUDA) since September 2020. The party said it was a member of parliament representing the Muar community in the last general election.

In a press statement broadcast live from his Facebook account, Syed Saddiq stated that he was no longer worthy of being President of Youth after what happened today.

"At the deliberation, after being discussed together, we have made the decision that I will vacate my position as President of the Young Party and temporarily clear his name through a judicial process," said Saddiq.

He said the next presidential position was handed over to the Deputy President of YOUNG Amira Aisya Abd Aziz.