Just this morning (November 9), the KL High Court found Syed Saddiq guilty of 4 charges of corruption and money laundering. For that, he was sentenced 7 years in prison, 2 strokes of the rotan, and a fine of RM10 million.
In case you missed it, the founder of MUDA is found guilty of ALL 4 charges against him involving breach of trust, misappropriating funds, and money laundering.
Here’s a breakdown of all charges that landed the young politician in jail
- ARMADA Fund
For the 1st charge, Saddiq is found guilty of being complicit with former ARMADA’s treasurer, Rafiq Hakim Razali who was entrusted with the party’s wing fund amounting to RM1 million.
The breach of trust using the party’s fund was committed on March 6, 2020. The charge was made in accordance with Section 406 of the Penal Code, reported Berita Harian and South China Morning Post.
- Misappropriating RM120,000 fund
Syed Saddiq was also found guilty of misappropriating a further RM120,000 from an account belonging to ARMADA Bumi Bersatu Enterprise to fund his election campaign. Rafiq was said to have disposed of the money, and the act was committed between 8 and 21 April 2018.
The charge was made in accordance with Section 403 of the Penal Code, with a maximum prison sentence of 5 years.
- 2 charges of money laundering
Saddiq’s charges continue with 2 other cases involving money laundering. Saddiq was found transferring an amount of RM50,000 from his bank account to another bank account, and the money was said to have been obtained from illegal activities.
The matter took place in June 2018 in Taman Perling, Johor Bahru. The charge was made in accordance with Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2021.
This Section carries a maximum jail sentence of 15 years.
“I will not give up”
Saddiq’s defense attorney pleaded with the court for a lighter sentence, just in the form of a prison sentence and a fine.
“Syed Saddiq is still unmarried, he’s the youngest among 4 siblings. He has to take care of his parents. His father has just finished a surgery and his mother is battling cancer.”
He also reminded the court of Saddiq’s contribution to the country throughout the years.
In a Facebook post this afternoon (November 9), despite the court’s verdict, Saddiq held back his tears and told media friends that he would not stay silent and would fight for an appeal.
His other defense attorney, Gobind Singh Deo was also present.
What do you think of the charges and the punishment?
Also read: BREAKING: High Court Finds Syed Saddiq GUILTY of 4 Charges of Money Laundering & Corruption
