Latest news with #SyedSaddiq
Free Malaysia Today
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Even with Syed Saddiq, Muda comeback at GE 16 unlikely, say analysts
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was acquitted of abetting corruption, misappropriation of funds and money laundering by the Court of Appeal earlier this week. PETALING JAYA : Muda is unlikely to stage a comeback in the next general election, even with Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman at the helm following his recent acquittal on corruption charges, analysts say. They say the party, founded five years ago, has missed its opportunity. Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said Muda was at its peak in the year before the 15th general election (GE15), which was held in November 2022. 'They were hot in 2021 but now people don't seem to remember them. 'They missed the opportunity to attract voters because they lost momentum,' she told FMT. Syaza Shukri. Syaza said Muda has struggled to project a clear identity or establish its purpose. 'People don't know exactly what Muda is fighting for. Right now, it feels more like an NGO,' she said. Syaza also believes Muda suffers from an image problem, largely appearing to be a 'one-man party'. There appears to be a lack of trust in Muda's ability to become an effective third force, she added. Explaining the difference between how Muda and PKR functioned when their respective leaders were confronted with legal jeopardy, Syaza said that in PKR's case, other leaders stepped up to lead when current prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was twice incarcerated. 'Muda tried to do the same with acting president Amira (Aisya Abdul Aziz) but that has not been enough,' she added. Syed Saddiq relinquished his post at the helm of the party after he was convicted by the High Court of abetting criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of funds and money laundering. On Wednesday, the Court of Appeal unanimously acquitted the Muar MP of all charges. Muda needs veterans and an ally Azmi Hassan. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Muda's strategy of positioning itself from the onset as a platform for disillusioned voters across the political divide, has failed to materialise. 'When Muda was first established, it was to attract younger voters, not specifically from Pakatan Harapan, but from across the board. That was their strategy,' he said when contacted by FMT. However, he noted that Muda failed to resonate with younger, disillusioned voters – particularly among the non-Malays. Azmi said the party may want to reconsider its approach to remain relevant, adding that it needs more than just young leaders. Muda needs a strong ally, he said\ – either Pakatan Harapan (PH) or Barisan Nasional (BN). However, Azmi said both coalitions may be hesitant to collaborate with Muda, fearing the party may not bring sufficient strategic value to the table. James Chin of the University of Tasmania said Syed Saddiq's acquittal presents Muda with an opportunity to rebuild its image. James Chin. 'Muda was able to attract a lot of young people, including many youths from the Chinese community. But what happened was a lot of young people moved away after Syed Saddiq was charged with corruption, including the Malays,' he said. 'Now that he has been discharged by the courts, if he goes back to working with the party, I believe he will be able to recover lost ground.' However, Chin said the party's biggest hurdle remains seat negotiations with potential allies. 'Everything will depend on how well they do. The biggest problem they face is to get PH to give them seats to contest. In the last round, they won only one seat (in Muar).' Chin said that Muda should be given a chance as Syed Saddiq is still capable of attracting young people from across all ethnic groups.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
It ain't over 'til it's over — Hafiz Hassan
JUNE 27 — An appeal is a creature of statute and will only lie if a statute gives such a right and then only within the limits which the statute giving the right stipulates. Accordingly, by reason of Section 87(1) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, an appeal lies to the country's apex court -- that is, the Federal Court -- from any decision of the Court of Appeal in its appellate jurisdiction in respect of a criminal matter decided by the High Court in its original jurisdiction. This means that the criminal trial must commence in the High Court, as the case was in the corruption case of former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman. Lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik speaks to the press on behalf of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abd Rahman as they walks out of the courtroom after facing the decision of his 4 charges here at the Palace of Justice. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin Syed Saddiq was convicted by the High Court in 2023. On Wednesday (June 25), the Court of Appeal quashed the conviction, ruling unanimously that the High Court judge had erred in several decisions, and that there was no element of dishonesty when the former minister instructed his staff to remove money from Bersatu's youth branch Armada's bank accounts. The Public Prosecutor has not waited long to appeal against the acquittal having filed a notice of appeal the very next day (June 26). Syed Saddiq faces another court battle for his freedom. As the song goes, it ain't over 'til it's over. * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Amir Hadi quits as Muda sec-gen, backs new leadership with Ainie Haziqah amid party's reset post-Syed Saddiq acquittal
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 – Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) co-founder Amir Hariri Abd Hadi today confirmed that he has officially stepped down as the party's secretary-general and from its Central Executive Committee in March this year. In a statement, Amir said the decision was made due to personal reasons and that a leadership transition has since taken place, with Nurainie Haziqah now assuming the role of secretary-general. 'With this latest development — following Syed Saddiq's acquittal and release from previous charges — I firmly believe this will serve as a catalyst and a new beginning for the party,' he said. He added that the party should undergo a leadership restructuring as it prepares for upcoming political challenges, including the Sabah state election and the 16th general election. Muda recently said is considering returning Syed Saddiq to the party presidency following his acquittal from graft and corruption charges. Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz had been acting president since November 2023. Amir said he now intends to focus fully on his role as the chief executive of youth activism group Mandiri, which he co-founded in May 2024 with Mohamad Alshatry and Dobby Chew. Mandiri describes its aims as empowering young leaders, promoting democratic participation, and fostering progressive ideas. Amir expressed support for the Court of Appeal's decision to acquit Muda's founding president and said he remains confident in the party's leadership moving forward. Although no longer part of the party's leadership, Amir said he will continue to support Muda and stay in touch with its leaders, especially on matters they have previously worked on together. 'I also hope that everyone will give their full support to Ainie in her new role as Muda's secretary-general,' he said, referring to Nurainie. Ainie was formerly from PKR and later Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia before joining Muda. She was then appointed to Muda's Central Executive Committee. She runs her own legal firm, her clothing brand Atheena, and also the charity group Happy Bank Crew.
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Syed Saddiq says he's grateful to Bella, calls her an extraordinary woman
Syed Saddiq says that over the course of their six-month acquaintance, Bella Astillah has been a constant presence in his life. Photos: Bella Astillah/Instagram Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman says he is truly grateful to actress Bella Astillah for standing by him during a challenging time. Speaking during a livestream on his TikTok account Wednesday night (June 26), the 32-year-old Muar MP revealed that over the course of their six-month acquaintance, Bella had been a constant presence in his life. 'Many people have asked me where Bella is. I think she's taking a break because earlier today (Wednesday), she was with me the whole time. 'I truly owe her a debt of gratitude. Even though we've only known each other for a few months, she's always been there – making me happy, working together... she's always been by my side,' he said. Syed Saddiq added that he couldn't always appear alongside the 31-year-old actress, whose full name is Dayang Nabellah Awang Astillah, as she has responsibilities of her own. 'She has her children, Ayden and Ara, who need her love and attention as a mother,' he said. 'I feel guilty sometimes because she has her work and her family too. He told his supporters that he will not forget Bella's kindness. "She is an extraordinary woman. Whatever hardship I've faced is nothing compared to what she has gone through,' he added On Wednesday morning, Bella was seen arriving at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya to show support as Syed Saddiq awaited a ruling on his appeal. He was later acquitted of all four charges in the RM1.2mil graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. Bella described the verdict as a 'deserved win' for the Syed Saddiq. 'He's an honest, genuine and brave person who does everything with a sincere heart. Maybe this is a form of repayment for all the good he has done,' she told mStar, The Star 's Malay-language news portal.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Bella on Syed Saddiq's acquittal: 'Big day for the good guy'
KUALA LUMPUR: Actress and singer Bella Astillah has described the recent acquittal of Muar Member of Parliament, Syed Saddiq, as a fitting decision for a good man who never gives up fighting for the truth. Bella, 31, who has consistently supported Syed Saddiq, also hailed the young politician as a hero and an individual who perseveres despite being burdened by court cases. "Praise be to God, congratulations Syed Saddiq. Big day for the good guy. Not all heroes wear a cape; some wear suits and do not give up," she posted on Instagram Threads. "Justice is upheld," she wrote. Bella wasn't alone in her support for the politician; the comments section was flooded with positive messages. "Praise be to God, thank you. It's the 'next chapter' (the next phase), Bella," one netizen quipped. Another fan commented, "Behind a successful man, there is a woman who always supports him." Yesterday, the Court of Appeal acquitted Syed Saddiq of his conviction, overturning his seven-year jail sentence and two strokes of the cane for criminal breach of trust, misuse of property, and money laundering involving Armada funds. Bella, dressed in a blue baju kurung, was visibly emotional, seen crying and embracing Syed Saddiq's family members shortly after leaving the courtroom. Her presence in court and the emotional moment further fuelled rumours that she and Syed Saddiq are now in a special relationship, despite neither having confirmed it.
