Defence Lawyer Claims Trial Judge Overlooked Key Evidence in Syed Saddiq Case

The Syed Saddiq case continues to make headlines as the former youth and sports minister challenges his conviction. On March 19, 2025, during the ongoing appeal at the Court of Appeal, Syed Saddiq’s defense team argued that the trial judge had overlooked key evidence that could have impacted the verdict. This revelation comes as Syed Saddiq’s legal team seeks to overturn the guilty verdict handed down by the High Court in November 2023.

Background of the Syed Saddiq Case

Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is the Member of Parliament for Muar. He was convicted on multiple charges related to financial mismanagement, including criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of party funds, and money laundering. The case stems from his involvement in misusing funds from the Bersatu Youth Wing, Armada, during his tenure as senior leader.

In November 2023, the High Court sentenced Syed Saddiq to seven years in prison, a fine of RM10 million, and two strokes of the rotan. His conviction has sparked significant public interest and debate, particularly regarding the fairness of the trial and the consideration of all available evidence.

Key Allegations by the Defence

At the Court of Appeal, prominent criminal lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, representing Syed Saddiq, raised concerns about the trial process. Hisyam claimed that the High Court judge had failed to consider crucial evidence that could have altered the verdict adequately. He argued that the trial judge had merely "narrated" the defense’s evidence without properly evaluating or addressing it.

One of the primary examples Hisyam highlighted was the testimony of Ulya Aqamah Husamudin, a former information chief of Armada. According to Hisyam, Ulya's evidence directly contradicted the testimonies of prosecution witnesses who claimed that Syed Saddiq had instructed them to withdraw RM1 million from the party's official account. Ulya’s testimony supported Syed Saddiq’s position, asserting that no such instructions were given. However, Hisyam argued that the trial judge did not give sufficient weight to this critical piece of evidence.

The Defence’s Position on the Evidence

The defense team has consistently maintained that Syed Saddiq did not misuse or misappropriate the funds. Syed Saddiq’s lawyers argue that the RM1 million withdrawn from the party's account was used for legitimate purposes, including preparations for the Covid-19 outbreak and Ramadan and Hari Raya celebrations. The funds were not used for Syed Saddiq’s benefit, as alleged by the prosecution.

Hisyam also pointed to the pressure that prosecution witnesses, particularly Rafiq Hakim Razali, faced during the investigation. He claimed that Rafiq had been under significant pressure, which may have influenced his testimony. According to the defense, Rafiq’s statements were tailored to meet the authorities' expectations, further casting doubt on the credibility of the prosecution’s case.

Additionally, the defense highlighted that the charges related to criminal breach of trust (CBT) lacked the necessary legal elements. Syed Saddiq’s lawyer, Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abidin, argued that the CBT charge was not applicable because the funds were not used for Syed Saddiq’s gain. Instead, the money was used for party-related purposes, such as the preparations for Covid-19.

The Charges and the Trial Verdict

The charges against Syed Saddiq include:

• Criminal breach of trust (CBT): This charge stems from an alleged incident in which Syed Saddiq is accused of abetting the misappropriation of RM1 million from the Armada account.

• Misappropriation of party funds: The RM120,000 allegedly misused from the Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise (ABBE) account was transferred to Syed Saddiq’s account.

• Money laundering: Syed Saddiq faces charges related to two transactions of RM50,000 each, which are believed to be linked to unlawful activities.

Despite these charges, Syed Saddiq has repeatedly maintained that the funds were used for legitimate party purposes. He has also argued that the funds were not intended for personal use, pointing to the purpose behind the withdrawal and expenditure.

The Appeal at the Court of Appeal

The appeal hearing at the Court of Appeal is expected to continue with the prosecution presenting its case. Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin is slated to respond to the defense’s claims and provide counterarguments to challenge the appeal.

The three-member panel of judges, led by Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, will carefully review all arguments and evidence presented during the appeal. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Syed Saddiq’s political future and the broader political landscape in Malaysia.

What’s at stake in the Syed Saddiq Case?

The Syed Saddiq case has captured widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the individual involved. As a prominent politician and former youth leader of Bersatu, his case highlights the challenges that political figures face when accused of financial misconduct. The appeal is an opportunity for Syed Saddiq to challenge his conviction and seek a fairer ruling, especially in light of the claims made by his defense team.

If the Court of Appeal rules in Syed Saddiq’s favor, it could reverse the High Court’s decision, offering him a chance to clear his name. However, if the appeal is unsuccessful, it could end his political career and result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Conclusion

The Syed Saddiq case is far from over, and the ongoing appeal is crucial to determining whether the trial was conducted fairly and whether all the evidence was properly considered. The defense team claims that the trial judge overlooked key evidence that could significantly affect the outcome of this case. As the legal process continues, the public will closely watch if Syed Saddiq’s conviction is upheld or overturned.

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