‘Muda is bigger than me’: Syed Saddiq opts out of party polls

SHAH ALAM – Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman announces that he will not contest in the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) party election, citing his ongoing legal journey and principle-driven leadership.

In a statement on his Instagram account on Monday, the former Muda president emphasised that he would step back from seeking any position until his name is fully and finally cleared, in order to avoid causing distraction, division, or disruption to the movement they had started together.

“Muda is bigger than me. No individual is bigger than the party. And no party is bigger than Malaysia.

“With humility, I take a step back so that Muda can move forward,” he wrote today.

In a statement on his Instagram account on Monday, the former Muda president emphasised that he would step back from seeking any position until his name is fully and finally cleared. Screenshot Syed Saddiq Instagram/ @syedsaddiq

Reflecting on the party’s founding principles, he emphasised that he established Muda with a clear and unwavering belief: politics must be beyond reproach and leadership must be entirely transparent.

“Malaysia deserves institutions stronger than any individual and that belief has never changed,” he added.

Several years ago, Syed Saddiq said he made the difficult decision to voluntarily step down as Muda president, acting on principle because he believed that anyone leading the party or aspiring to lead Malaysia must be beyond reproach.

He was later acquitted unanimously, 3–0, by the Court of Appeal in a clear and decisive ruling, but the government chose to appeal his full acquittal. As he awaits the Federal Court’s decision, he said he has not evaded, delayed, or obstructed the process and is facing it fully, patiently and transparently.

“I will continue to believe in, support and defend the values upon which Muda was built. And I will continue to wait calmly, firmly and with faith to fully clear my name. Muda deserves nothing less. Malaysia deserves nothing less,” he added.

Earlier, media reports noted that the Muda central election committee had confirmed 31 candidates, including acting president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz, as eligible to contest following the close of nominations on Feb 28 at 9pm.

The party election is scheduled to be held on March 14.