KUALA LUMPUR (Politics Now!) - It was a sad day for the very popular Syed Saddiq, once Malaysia's youngest minister and Asia's best debater, as a court battle against corruption charges turned sour for him.
In fact, to his supporters, it was no less than a farce - the Muar MP was sentenced to seven years jail, two strokes of the rotan and a RM10 million fine for abetting in criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of assets and money laundering.
TARGET OF POLITICAL ENVY
However, to his credit, the 30-year-old Saddiq showed his class - managing to keep his composure despite the sentence, which is seen as bizarrely excessive by many.
He not only said he accepted the court's decision but hinted he may step down as leader of the MUDA party, which has been attacked by youth wings of many established parties including Anwar's PKR and even the DAP due to competition and even jealousy.
“To change Malaysia, it is not about a person but should build institutions that will outlast party and personality so that Malaysia remains on the right path no matter who is leading it," he told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex.
“To be a good leader in Malaysia, an individual has to be whiter than white and that would be the most important factor which led me to make the decision which I will table to the leadership of Muda after our consultation and discussion."
According to Saddiq, Muda will hold a meeting at 4pm and announcement will be made at 5pm.
“I am aware of my current situation, and that is why I have considered what I want to do concerning my status as Muda president,” said the former youth and sports minister, who broke into national prominence after winning the Muar seat in 2018.
“We will have a party meeting to discuss this at 4pm, and I will announce not only my decision, but also our collective decision, at 5pm.”
Now a second-term MP, Saddiq has always denied the charges - claiming they were politically motivated to thwart his political rise.
Written by Stan Lee, Politics Now!
Politics Now!
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