Will Syed Saddiq remain an MP or go to jail?

PUTRAJAYA – After five years of courtroom battles, the wait will end in just a few hours as Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is set to learn whether he will retain his parliamentary seat or face imprisonment following the Federal Court's decision on the prosecution's final appeal, today.

The ruling by the top court will not only determine the outcome of the prosecution's appeal against his acquittal on four charges but could also mark the most significant turning point in the former Bersatu youth chief's political career.

Under Article 48(1)(e) of the Federal Constitution, a person is disqualified from contesting elections if sentenced to at least one year in prison, fined no less than RM2,000, or both.

The same provision also stipulates that a sitting MP may lose his or her seat if such a sentence is imposed.

Whether the decision is reached unanimously or by a 2-1 majority, the ruling by the three-member Federal Court bench is expected to bring an end to a closely watched legal battle that has drawn public attention since the case began.

The verdict will be delivered by a three-judge panel led by Court of Appeal President Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais, alongside Federal Court judges Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, after hearing submissions from both parties on Dec 11 and 12, last year.

The proceedings represent the prosecution's final avenue of appeal, with the prosecution acting as the appellant and Syed Saddiq as the respondent.

If the court allows the prosecution's appeal, the former youth and sports minister will be convicted once again on the four charges and required to serve the sentence handed down by the Kuala Lumpur High Court in November 2023.

However, if the panel dismisses the appeal, Syed Saddiq will retain the acquittal granted by the Court of Appeal, last year.