Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has embarked on a four-day “Gratitude Run” from the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya to Laman Maharani in Muar, with the aim of raising RM200,000 to support those in need.
Syed Saddiq said the run symbolises his gratitude after spending six years fighting to clear his name, adding that he wanted to give back to the community following his legal victory.
“I am here because justice is something I deeply respect. This is where I regained my freedom, cleared my name and restored my dignity,” he told reporters before setting off from the Palace of Justice on Thursday.
The run, which began shortly after 5pm, is being joined by his fiancée, singer and actress Bella Astillah, along with two other participants.
Syed Saddiq said the funds raised will be used to purchase iPads for underprivileged university students and provide food baskets to low-income families in Muar.
He added that public support had been overwhelming, with thousands of ringgit already donated even before the run officially began.
“Alhamdulillah, even before I started running, thousands of ringgit had already been contributed towards this mission,” he said.
Speaking about the challenge ahead, Syed Saddiq said he preferred to focus on taking one step at a time instead of worrying about the obstacles he might encounter along the journey.
He explained that choosing the Palace of Justice as the starting point carried deep personal significance, as it was where he ultimately received justice after a six-year legal battle.
“After six years of fighting for justice, I chose to begin this run here as a gesture of gratitude to the country’s judicial institution for restoring my good name,” he said.
