Armada funds: Syed Saddiq ordered to enter defence

KUALA LUMPUR - The High Court here today ordered incumbent Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman to enter his defence on four charges of abetting in criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of assets and money laundering.

Judicial Commissioner Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid made the decision after finding that prosecution succeeded in proving a prima facie case against Syed Saddiq, 29, at the end of the prosecution's case.

The Muda president was charged with conspiring with Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada) assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali (at the time) who was entrusted with Armada funds amounting to RM1 million, to commit a breach of trust by misusing the funds at CIMB Bank Berhad, Menara CIMB KL Sentral, Jalan Sentral 2 here on March 6, 2020.

For the second charge, the accused is charged with misappropriating assets for himself which is RM120,000 from the Maybank Islamic Berhad account belonging to Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise by causing Rafiq Hakim to dispose of the money at Malayan Banking Berhad, Taman Pandan Jaya here between April 8 and 21 2018.

Syed Saddiq also faces two charges of engaging in illegal money laundering activities, namely transferring RM50,000 each in his Maybank Islamic Berhad account to his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account, which is believed to be the result of illegal activities, at a bank in Jalan Persisiran Perling, Taman Perling, Johor Bahru on June 16 and 19 2018.

Syed Saddiq's lawyer Gobind Singh Deo told the court that the defence would call 15 witnesses, including his cient, and that their testimony might take almost two weeks.

Azhar then asked both sides whether the trial could be held next year since all parties would be busy this year because of the 15th general election, which will be held on Nov 19.

Gobind asked for the trial to begin in February next year and deputy public prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin did not object to the request.

"If they (defence) wish to use witness statements, I would have no objection if they are presented (to prosecution) one week before the witnesses give evidence," said Wan Shaharuddin.

The court fixed Feb 22 to 24, March 13 and 14, and April 10 to 14 next year for the trial.

The prosecution was also conducted by DPPs Mohd 'Afif Ali, Muhammad Asraf Mohamed Tahir, Noor Syafina Mohd Radzuan and Mohd Shahrom Idris while lawyers Datuk S. Ambiga, Haijan Omar and Lim Wei Jeit also represented the accused.

Syed Saddiq arrived at the Jalan Duta Court Complex here at about 9.15 am, and his parents Shariffah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz and Syed Abdul Rahman Abdullah Asagoff were present to show their support.

The former Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada or Bersatu Youth) chief, then entrusted with control of its RM1 million fund, was charged with abetting then Armada assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali in committing CBT of the fund at CIMB Bank Bhd, Menara CIMB KL Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, on March 6, 2020.

For the second charge, the former youth and sports minister is alleged to have misused property for himself, namely RM120,000 from the Maybank Islamic Bhd account belonging to Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise, by causing Rafiq Hakim to dispose of the money at Malayan Banking Bhd, Jalan Pandan 3/6A, Taman Pandan Jaya, between April 8 and 21, 2018.

He also faces two counts of engaging in money laundering activities through two transactions of RM50,000 each, believed to be proceeds from unlawful activities, from his Maybank Islamic Bhd account into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account at a bank in Jalan Persisiran Perling, Taman Perling, Johor Bahru, on June 16 and 19, 2018.

When met by reporters, Syed Saddiq said this was an opportunity for him to clear his name by testifying under oath in the trial.

"I will explain the truth from my personal perspective to uphold justice," he added.

Asked whether the court ruling today would affect Muda's campaign in GE15, Syed Saddiq said he would hold a party meeting soon to discuss related issues.

"I also think it is up to the people to make their assessment (of court ruling)," he added. - BERNAMA