PUTRAJAYA – Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has expressed his respect for the Federal Court's decision to postpone its ruling on the prosecution's appeal against his acquittal, following Judge Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali's two days' medical leave.
The Federal Court on Tuesday postponed its decision on the prosecution's appeal against Syed Saddiq's acquittal after the judge went on sick leave, with the three-judge panel, led by Court of Appeal President Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais, setting July 13 for the decision to be delivered.
Speaking to reporters after the postponement, Syed Saddiq said he understood the delay was unavoidable.
"I understand this was unexpected, which is why it is rather difficult for me to give any comment," he said at a press conference at the Palace of Justice here.
He said health factors had to be respected, especially when they involved the judicial institution.
Syed Saddiq added that he respected the court's decision and would continue to comply with the ongoing legal process, describing the country's judicial institution as the last bastion for individuals like him who wanted justice.
"I respect the country's judicial institution, which is the last bastion for individuals like me who want to obtain justice not through shortcuts or special treatment, but through a trial based on facts and evidence under the judicial institution itself," he said.
He said over the six years he had faced the case, he had always sought to obtain justice to clear his name, integrity and dignity.
"For me personally, this is not a new case. I have fought for six years to obtain justice, to clear my name, my integrity and my dignity.
"If I need to wait another two weeks, I accept and comply," he said.
When asked on his involvement in the upcoming Johor state election campaign, Syed Saddiq said his main focus now was on obtaining justice in court.
"Today, my focus is on clearing my name, integrity and dignity. I hope there will be closure to this case today after six very challenging years.
"So I need to wait another two weeks and will focus together with my lawyers and family on obtaining the justice we are fighting for in court first," he said.
He also stressed that his confidence in the case had never changed since the investigation began.
The case stems from charges of abetting criminal breach of trust, misappropriating property and money laundering involving RM1.12 million in funds linked to Bersatu Youth wing Armada.
On Nov 9, 2023, the High Court convicted Syed Saddiq on all four charges, sentencing him to seven years' jail, two strokes of the cane and a fine of RM10 million.
The Court of Appeal unanimously overturned the conviction on June 25 last year, with the panel finding the prosecution failed to prove Syed Saddiq's dishonest intent when he ordered RM1 million withdrawn from Armada funds.
The Attorney General's Chambers filed an appeal to the Federal Court the following day, seeking to reinstate the conviction and sentence.