PUTRAJAYA - As the country awaits a ruling that will determine the political future of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, the prosecution says it has fulfilled its responsibilities to the best of its ability.
Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said the prosecution had carried out its duties with the utmost commitment in the interest of justice.
"We have done our best. Whether we win, lose, or whatever the outcome may be, we leave it to the court," he said when asked about the prosecution's final appeal against the acquittal of the 34-year-old politician.
Wan Shaharuddin led the prosecution team alongside deputy public prosecutors Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib and Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan.
Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq's counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik expressed confidence that the Federal Court would rule in favour of his client.
He said his optimism was based on the facts of the case and the clear provisions of the law.
"It is also my view that the prosecution's appeal lacks merit and should therefore be dismissed.
"Furthermore, the Court of Appeal has already delivered a very strong judgment," he said.
The fate of the former youth and sports minister who faces four charges involving criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of property and money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), will be decided by the Federal Court, tomorrow.
The closely watched decision will determine whether Syed Saddiq remains acquitted or whether his conviction and sentence of seven years' imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a RM10 million fine will be reinstated.
A three-member Federal Court bench, chaired by Court of Appeal president Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais and comprising Federal Court judges Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Razali and Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, is scheduled to deliver its verdict after hearing submissions from both parties.
The proceedings mark the prosecution's final avenue of appeal, with Syed Saddiq appearing as the respondent.
Syed Saddiq was charged with conspiring with Rafiq Hakim Razali, who was then Armada's assistant treasurer, to commit CBT involving RM1 million of Armada's funds at CIMB Bank Berhad, KL Sentral, on March 6, 2020.
The charge was brought under Section 406 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment, caning and a fine.
He also faced a charge of misappropriating RM120,000 belonging to Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of between six months and five years, caning and a fine.
Syed Saddiq was accused of committing two money laundering transactions by transferring RM50,000 into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account.
These charges were brought under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which carries a maximum penalty of fifteen years' imprisonment and a fine of up to five times the value of the proceeds involved.