Latest news with #Muar
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Appointment of judges decided by Constitution, PM reminds
PUTRAJAYA: Reiterating his stance on non-interference in the judiciary, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says judicial decisions are made by the courts and should not be politicised. The Prime Minister also said that all appointments and extensions of service of judges must follow procedures as outlined in the Federal Constitution. "If one understands the Constitution, the process is clear. 'There's a commission, there's the Prime Minister and there's the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. "If you look at the recent appointments, the list of candidates is submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and then brought to the Conference of Rulers for discussion. "These procedures must be followed,' he said at the Prime Minister's Department's monthly assembly. "I believe that when institutions like the judiciary are politicised, decisions can give the impression of betrayal," he said. "I've heard the issues being raised ... but I have never interfered in judicial matters. 'Whatever decisions are made (by the courts), those are theirs, but even that is being politicised," he said. The Prime Minister lamented the public's tendency to interpret judicial decisions based on their own political leanings. He cited recent high-profile cases, including those involving Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. "We must respect the judges and the decisions they make. 'I notice people have double standards. They support a DNAA (discharge not amounting to an acquittal) in one case but reject it (in another). 'We can't be like that. 'We must remember to uphold (the integrity of the judiciary), not follow political preferences," he said. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Bar said the government should make it known whether Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's tenure as Chief Justice will be extended or a new appointment made in accordance with the Federal Constitution and Judicial Appointments Commission process. Its president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said that with Tengku Maimun's retirement due today, the unknown status of her successor reflects "a failure in institutional responsibility". "This vacuum at the very apex of the judiciary is as absurd as it is dangerous," he said. Tengku Maimun turns 66 today, the mandatory retirement age for judges.
Sinar Daily
7 days ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Muda offers presidency back to Syed Saddiq
The decision was made during a Central Executive Committee meeting held on the same day the Muar MP was cleared of all charges. The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) has unanimously agreed to re-offer the party's presidency to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman following his acquittal from corruption and money laundering charges on Wednesday. - Bernama FILE PIX SHAH ALAM – The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) has unanimously agreed to re-offer the party's presidency to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman following his acquittal of corruption and money laundering charges on Wednesday. Acting president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz said the decision was made during a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting held on the same day the Muar MP was cleared of all charges. According to her, the offer is based on two principles: that Syed Saddiq had successfully cleared his name and integrity through a transparent and fair court process and that the former Youth and Sports Minister had consistently defended the honour and good name of the party throughout his tenure as an MP. 'The Muda presidency held by Syed Saddiq was vacated throughout the court proceedings and assumed by me as Deputy President. "I must also state on record that the party's decision to vacate the presidency during the prosecution was a political commitment never before made by any Malaysian political leader under trial in court. 'CEC is of the view that with Syed Saddiq's return to party leadership, he will be able to further strengthen the party, particularly in steering it towards the next general election,' she said in a statement on Thursday. Sinar had previously reported that the Court of Appeal on Wednesday acquitted Syed Saddiq of all convictions and sentences related to four charges involving the misappropriation of Armada funds seven years ago. Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman at a press conference yesterday. Bernama FILE PIX These included one charge of abetting criminal breach of trust involving RM1 million, one charge of misuse of property amounting to RM120,000 and two charges of money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), each involving RM50,000. In November 2023, Syed Saddiq announced his immediate resignation from the Muda presidency to focus on clearing his name from the convictions handed down by the court. Further commenting on the matter, Amira said the CEC also respects the need for the 33-year-old lawmaker to consider the offer and has agreed to give him ample time to do so. 'After five years of facing prosecution and court processes, I fully understand the need for the party to give Syed Saddiq space to prioritise his family affairs before resuming his responsibilities as president. 'To me, family comes first. I also want to remind everyone that Syed Saddiq is still serving full-time as a Member of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat and in his Muar constituency. His commitment to service politics has never faltered,' she added. She also said that Muda would continue to provide unwavering support to Syed Saddiq and urged Malaysians to pray for the party's continued efforts in building the nation.
Malaysiakini
7 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Muda offers president post back to Syed Saddiq after acquittal
The Muda central executive committee has unanimously decided to offer back the party presidency to Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman. This is after the Court of Appeal acquitted the lawmaker of all charges in his RM1.12 million corruption case yesterday.
Sinar Daily
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
'So… when's the wedding?' – Syed Saddiq, Bella shut down rumours after former's appeal victory
Singer Bella Astillah, when met outside the Court of Appeal politely shut down any speculation about future wedding bells. The Court of Appeal today acquitted and discharged Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (centre) of four charges involving criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering linked to funds from Armada. - Photo by Bernama PUTRAJAYA – The question on everyone's lips the moment Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman walked out of the courtroom a free man was not about politics or his appeal, but: "When are Syed Saddiq and Bella getting married?" Singer Bella Astillah, when met outside the Court of Appeal politely shut down any speculation about future wedding bells. "As a woman, it's not appropriate for me to share any plans, especially on something this personal. I don't think it's nice to speak about such things openly," Bella said in response to the question by the media. Still, Bella took the opportunity to thank supporters, especially fans of her and Syed Saddiq's fandom group, BASS. The Court of Appeal today acquitted and discharged Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (left) of four charges involving criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering linked to funds from Armada. - Photo by Bernama "Thank you to all the BASS fans for the incredible support, your Yasin recitations and all the words of encouragement. It means a lot," she said. Meanwhile, responding to the question, Syed Saddiq said there has been no planning at all, putting the rumour mill back on pause, at least for now. Earlier the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged the former youth and sports minister of four criminal charges including abetting in criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering involving funds from Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda, the youth wing of his former party, Bersatu.
South China Morning Post
25-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Malaysian lawmaker Syed Saddiq cleared of corruption after ‘5 years of hell'
The Malaysian appeal court on Wednesday quashed the corruption conviction of former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, admonishing the lower court for not throwing out the allegations of embezzling funds earlier. Advertisement Syed Saddiq, a 33-year-old rising political star, was found guilty in 2023 of abetting a subordinate to withdraw 1 million ringgit (US$235,000) from his party Bersatu's youth wing account, and misappropriating another 120,000 ringgit to fund his 2018 election campaign. He was fined 10 million ringgit on top of a seven-year prison sentence but was out on bail pending the appeal. On Wednesday, a three-member panel in the Court of Appeal unanimously overturned the conviction, ruling that it was the result of 'serious misdirection' by the trial judge. Syed Saddiq with actress Bella Astillah. Photo: Instagram/Syedsaddiq The panel found that the high court judge had made several wrong decisions and that there was no element of dishonesty in Syed Saddiq's bank withdrawal instructions. Advertisement After the ruling, the member of parliament for Muar thanked his supporters.
