Former Senator Datuk Seri Syed Ali Alhabshee believes Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has the qualities to one day become Malaysia’s Prime Minister, describing him as a principled, resilient and capable young leader.
In a statement on Monday, Syed Ali said Syed Saddiq should serve as a role model for the younger generation because of his commitment to his principles, sense of responsibility and respect for Malaysia’s judicial system.
He said it was no small feat for anyone to endure six years of court proceedings while continuing to fulfil their duties as an elected representative.
“Although I do not know Syed Saddiq personally, I understand that he never avoided the court process or sought delays throughout the trial,” he said.
“He also continued attending Parliament sessions and remained committed to serving the people of Muar.”
Syed Ali said the perseverance shown by the former Youth and Sports Minister demonstrated his integrity, determination and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
“If any one of us had to spend six years going in and out of court while constantly facing the possibility of imprisonment, it would be difficult to sleep peacefully or focus on work,” he said.
“Despite that, I saw Syed Saddiq remain calm, stay strong alongside his family and continue providing the best possible service to the people of Muar.”
He added that Syed Saddiq has displayed the character, resilience and dedication expected of a young political leader committed to serving the public.
“Based on his political work, resilience and belief in standing up for what is right, I believe Syed Saddiq has tremendous potential in Malaysia’s political landscape and is capable of becoming the country’s Prime Minister one day,” he said.
On Monday, the Federal Court cleared Syed Saddiq of all charges after dismissing the prosecution’s final appeal against his acquittal.
In a 2-1 majority decision, Justices Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah ruled that the Court of Appeal had made no legal or procedural errors when it overturned Syed Saddiq’s conviction in June last year.
The ruling upheld the Court of Appeal’s decision, bringing to an end the former MUDA president’s lengthy legal battle and setting aside his previous sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a RM10 million fine.
