The prosecution argues Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was the ‘mastermind’ behind the withdrawal of RM1 million in Armada funds, as they appeal his acquittal.
PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court was told that Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was the ‘mastermind’ in a criminal breach of trust case involving Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada) funds.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin argued Syed Saddiq had instructed the youth wing’s then assistant treasurer to withdraw RM1 million.
He said the witness testified he would not have withdrawn the money without that instruction.
The prosecution’s appeal against Syed Saddiq’s acquittal on charges of abetment in CBT, misappropriation and money laundering continued today.
Wan Shaharuddin said the testimonies of several other Armada members corroborated this account.
He stated all their actions were based on instructions from the respondent.
The prosecutor added there is no legal barrier to charging only the abettor without the principal offender.
Wan Shaharuddin argued the Court of Appeal failed to consider evidence that Syed Saddiq instructed the witness to ‘clear’ the RM1 million during an MACC search.
He said the court also refused to consider the reasons behind the initial withdrawal instruction.
The prosecutor submitted that the witnesses had no ulterior motive to implicate Syed Saddiq.
He noted these prosecution witnesses were the respondent’s friends with no reason to fabricate their testimonies.
Another deputy public prosecutor, Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib, addressed the charges related to RM120,000 in campaign funds.
He said the Court of Appeal committed fundamental errors in overturning convictions for dishonest misappropriation and money laundering.
Ahmad Akram argued the funds were entrusted property, over which Syed Saddiq owed a fiduciary duty.
He cautioned the appellate court’s interpretation would render the offence of dishonest misappropriation nugatory.
The prosecutor warned this could allow political figures to reroute donations into personal accounts.
He said the ruling, if uncorrected, would have serious implications for public trust and campaign finance governance.
The proceedings continue tomorrow before a three-judge Federal Court panel.
The panel is led by Court of Appeal President Datuk Abu Bakar Jais.
On June 25, the Court of Appeal acquitted Syed Saddiq, setting aside his High Court conviction and sentence.
He had been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a RM10 million fine.
The Attorney General’s Chambers filed an appeal in the Federal Court a day after that acquittal.
Syed Saddiq faces charges of abetting CBT of RM1 million, misusing RM120,000, and two counts of money laundering.
