If he is found guilty, Syed Saddiq can still make a final appeal at the Federal Court.
The Court of Appeal was told today that a key prosecution witness was allegedly pressured into testifying against Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman to appease the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Defence counsel Hisyam Teh Poh Teik made this submission in an appeal to overturn Syed Saddiq’s conviction and sentencing over the misappropriation of RM1.12 million from Bersatu Youth’s funds.
Hisyam argued that former Bersatu Youth assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali, the 13th prosecution witness (SP13), lacked credibility as he was allegedly under severe stress during a six-day MACC remand. He contended that Rafiq’s testimony against Syed Saddiq, the former Bersatu Youth chief, was influenced by pressure from the anti-graft agency.
During cross-examination at the Kuala Lumpur High Court trial, Rafiq reportedly admitted to the defence team that he had been broken down by the MACC until he provided the testimony they sought.
“There is clear evidence that SP13 was broken down during remand and provided testimony to appease the MACC,” Hisyam told the appellate panel, chaired by Judge Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, alongside Judges Azman Abdullah and Noorin Badaruddin.
Rafiq was a key witness in two of the four charges against Syed Saddiq – the criminal breach of trust (CBT) charge involving RM1 million and the property misappropriation charge of RM120,000.
The hearing continues tomorrow before the three-member panel.
Syed Saddiq arrived at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya at 8:34 am, accompanied by his family, party leaders, supporters, and Bella Astillah (Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah).
Speaking at a press conference in the court lobby, Syed Saddiq reaffirmed his faith in the judiciary.
“I was investigated in 2020, and five years later, I stand before the Court of Appeal. This case is bigger than me – it represents the future of mature politics and the fight against corruption. I seek only for the truth to prevail,” he said, flanked by his parents.
Asked about Bella’s presence, he expressed deep gratitude for her unwavering support.
“I am indebted to Bella Astillah. She is an extraordinary woman,” he stated.
Supporters gathered at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, including Merlimau State Assembly member Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, acting President of Muda, in a show of solidarity.
Syed Saddiq was sentenced to seven years in prison, two strokes of the cane, and a RM10 million fine for four offences related to Armada funds. His charges include CBT, abuse of property, and money laundering.
The Court of Appeal will hear submissions over two days, on March 19 and 20. If the appeal is unsuccessful, Syed Saddiq still has the option of a final appeal at the Federal Court.
In November 2023, the High Court sentenced him to three years in jail and one stroke of the cane for abetting CBT involving RM1 million from the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Youth Wing (Armada)’s funds.
In his appeal, the 32-year-old politician argued that the trial judge, Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid, erred in law and fact by ruling a prima facie case in all four charges. He contended that the judge failed to consider all evidence, disregarded defence exhibits, and conducted an unfair assessment.
He further maintained that his defence was not a mere denial but was backed by credible evidence and explanations, which the judge failed to appreciate.