14/07/2026

TUESDAY | JULY 14, 2026

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Syed Saddiq walks free after apex court rejects appeal

Legal battle strengthens resolve, says former minister PUTRAJAYA: Hours after walking free from a six-year legal battle, the Muar MP said the experience had strengthened his resolve to uphold justice, integrity and institutional independence. Syed Saddiq, 33, who performed sujud syukur with his family after the Federal Court upheld his acquittal, said the ordeal had affected not only him, but also his parents, family, supporters and the wider political landscape. “I have always held firmly to the principle that courage comes from being in the right, and that conviction has brought us to this day. Six years is a long time. It has affected not only me, but especially my parents, family, friends, supporters and the political landscape,” he told reporters at the Palace of Justice lobby. He added the experience of facing criminal charges over the past six years had been an invaluable lesson, particularly in remaining steadfast during difficult circumstances. “Even when we are faced with circumstances that seem hopeless, or when there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel, we should never compromise our principles, integrity or dignity for an easy way out. “Ultimately, we must place our trust in God and in the institutions that make this country great,” he said. The former youth and sports minister said he would take some time away from politics to focus on his family and settle personal matters. “I have never left Muda, but as for my political future and plans, I think I will take some time. Today, I want to spend as much time as possible with my family and sort out my personal life. “I have to attend the Parliament sitting and I will head there after this, but I do want to hold a gathering, especially for the people of Muar,” he said. Syed Saddiq added that his parents had given him the green light to proceed with his wedding plans. Meanwhile, his counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik expressed appreciation to the panel of judges and the legal team involved in the case. “We are grateful to the panel of judges for today’s decision. We also thank YB Syed Saddiq and his family for placing their trust in us,” he said. Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said the prosecution accepted and respected the court’s decision. “The prosecution has yet to decide whether to file a review of today’s decision, as it is still too early. We will await the Attorney General’s decision.” – Bernama

the best possible way,” he said. Meanwhile, Justice Che Mohd Ruzima reminded all parties that judges were unable to publicly defend themselves or respond to comments made about them, urging stakeholders to exercise responsibility in their statements. “In this case, the decision was in fact ready to be delivered. However, when all three judges were required to prepare their respective grounds of judgment and one of them fell ill, was it appropriate to describe the situation as ‘unprecedented’? “As judges, we cannot respond to every public perception or defend ourselves in the public arena. Therefore, all stakeholders must carry out their respective responsibilities responsibly. “I would also like to thank the Head of the Prosecution Division, Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, for maintaining a neutral position and for extending his well wishes to the unwell judge,” he said. The courtroom broke into applause from Syed Saddiq’s family members and supporters after the three judges completed the delivery of their judgments. Watson said the exercise marked Guam’s first participation in Keris Strike, describing it as a valuable opportunity to train alongside partner nations on a scale rarely available to its troops. “The opportunity to work with our partner nations and partner countries is huge for us. We do not often get a chance to train at this large a scale. Being able to bring all these capabilities together for my soldiers in the Guam National Guard is going to be a really amazing capability,” she said. Watson also thanked the Malaysian Army for its hospitality, professionalism and dedication throughout the exercise, describing the

explain the outcome. He said the conviction and sentence he had proposed on the second, third and fourth charges were no longer effective, as the other two judges had found the respondent not guilty on all four charges. “That is their prerogative as judges within our justice system. I would also like to point out that although we are judges, we are ordinary human beings. There are times when we are healthy and times when we are unwell. “When a judge is unwell, the postponement of proceedings may occur. It is neither unusual nor unprecedented. I hope all parties will understand this,” he said. The Court of Appeal had initially fixed June 30 to deliver its decision on the prosecution’s final appeal, but the ruling was postponed after Justice Che Mohd Ruzima went on medical leave. Justice Abu Bakar noted the panel was aware of developments surrounding the case and understood that Syed Saddiq had plans following the judgment. “Now that the majority has ruled in the respondent’s favour, I hope he will be able to proceed with those plans in operational environment, particularly its jungle terrain and tropical climate. “It is an opportunity to train in a different environment. Malaysia has some significant challenges which we do not have in Australia due to the complex terrain, jungle and heat. So it is an excellent opportunity for our soldiers to really challenge themselves and see something different,” he said. Sheridan added that the exercise also allowed Australian troops to strengthen interoperability with their Malaysian and US counterparts through combined training and joint operations. Adjutant General of the Guam National Guard Brig Gen Karen

o Federal Court dismisses prosecution bid; upholds acquital on four charges linked to alleged misuse of Armada funds

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

President Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais, who chaired the panel, dissented. The decision effectively ends the prosecution’s legal challenge against Syed Saddiq, who had previously been sentenced by the High Court to seven years’ jail, two strokes of the cane and a RM10 million fine after he was found guilty on Nov 9, 2023. On June 25, 2025, the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction and sentence, allowing Syed Saddiq’s appeal and acquitting him of all four charges. The three judges delivered their grounds of judgment separately yesterday, with Justice Abu Bakar delivering his first, followed by Justice Che Mohd Ruzima and Justice Sequerah. After concluding his judgment, Justice Abu Bakar invited Syed Saddiq to approach the bench to

PUTRAJAYA: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman walked free yesterday after the Federal Court rejected the prosecution’s final attempt to overturn his acquittal on four charges linked to the alleged misuse of funds belonging to Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda. In a 2-1 majority decision, the apex court upheld the Court of Appeal’s ruling that acquitted and discharged the 33-year-old politician of abetment of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering. Justice Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah dismissed the prosecution’s appeal to reinstate Syed Saddiq’s conviction and sentence, while Court of Appeal

Multinational drill boosts Malaysia’s defence role KOTA BELUD: Malaysia is moving closer to establishing itself as a regional military training hub through Exercise Keris Strike Series 31/2026, which will validate the proof of concept for a Regional Combat Training Centre in the country. multilateral military engagement, strengthen partnerships and foster goodwill to improve and sustain joint operations and procedures. Participating forces will

undertake a brigade-level staff exercise, field training exercise, integrated long-range precision fires and aviation operations, while enhancing interoperability, leadership development and cultural understanding through combined arms training. He said the exercise reaffirmed the participating nations’ shared commitment to maintaining capable, professional and credible armed forces prepared to respond effectively to future operational challenges. Meanwhile, Australian Assistant Defence Adviser Lt Col Glenn Sheridan said the exercise provided Australian soldiers with a rare

Held in Sabah for the second time from July 13 to 27, the multinational exercise involves the Malaysian Army, US Army Pacific and the Australian Defence Force, with support from the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable. A total of 2,845 military personnel are taking part, comprising 362 officers and 2,483 other ranks from the three participating forces. Eastern Field Commander Lt Gen Datuk Mohd Sofi Md Lepi said one of the exercise’s key objectives was to conduct the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Centre during the Keris Strike Series 31/2026, which would validate the proof of concept for a Regional Combat Training Centre in Malaysia. He said the annual exercise had evolved from a bilateral engagement into a platform to strengthen operational cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding among participating forces. “What began as a bilateral military exercise has evolved into a premier platform for strengthening operational cooperation, enhancing interoperability and promoting regional stability through meaningful military engagement,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Keris Strike exercise. Mohd Sofi added the exercise also aimed to promote enduring

experience as “very impressive”. – Bernama

opportunity to train in Malaysia’s challenging

Military personnel performing an unarmed combat demonstration. – BERNAMAPIC