I thought of giving up politics when I was charged, says Syed Saddiq
PETALING JAYA : Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has admitted that he considered quitting politics after he was charged with corruption and money laundering.
The former youth and sports minister, however, said he ultimately decided against doing so and wanted to clear his name in the courts instead.
'I'd be lying if I said I never thought about it,' he said in an interview with Sinar Harian today.
'But I always reminded myself why I joined politics – to serve the country, protect the rights of Malaysians, and help Malaysia progress.'
Syed Saddiq also said he could have taken a step back from politics when he was offered two scholarships by Oxford University in 2017, especially since he was not yet an MP and there had been no change of government.
'But I thought to myself that the country must always come first,' he said.
Syed Saddiq was convicted by the Kuala Lumpur High Court of abetting in criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of assets, and money laundering in November 2023.
On Wednesday, the Court of Appeal acquitted him of all charges involving over RM1 million belonging to Bersatu Youth and another RM120,000 related to dishonest misappropriation.
Justice Noorin Badaruddin said the defence should not have been called during the trial, as the prosecution failed to prove the charges of abetting in CBT and dishonest misappropriation.
On Muda's political direction, especially when it came to forging electoral pacts, Syed Saddiq, who stepped down temporarily as party president following his conviction, said it was 'uncertain'.
'Malaysia's political scene changes quickly. Today, we're allies, tomorrow we're not,' he said, adding that the party will decide on its approach closer to the next general election.
He also urged young people not to fear intimidation or reports of bribery in politics.
'I hope my victory gives young people the courage to know that if they are on the right side of the law, they should not be afraid to stand firm,' he said.
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