"Nasi minyak is coming soon!" that was the jubilant reaction of Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman's brother, Syed Abdullah, better known by his nickname "Space Dollah", after the Federal Court upheld the Muar MP's acquittal on Monday.
Speaking to members of the media outside the Palace of Justice, Syed Abdullah made the remark when asked about the court's decision, alluding to an upcoming wedding between the Muar MP and his fiancee, actress and singer Bella Astillah.
Syed Saddiq, 34, was greeted with loud cheers from family members, friends and supporters who had gathered to show their support.
Emotions ran high outside the court complex as the former Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president and his family performed a sujud syukur (prostration of gratitude) after he was acquitted of all charges.
In a 2-1 majority decision, the Federal Court acquitted Syed Saddiq of four charges involving abetting criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering linked to funds belonging to Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada).
Judges Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah formed the majority, ruling that the former youth and sports minister should be acquitted.
Court of Appeal President Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais, who chaired the three-member bench, delivered the sole dissenting judgment, finding Syed Saddiq guilty.
The majority ruling dismissed the prosecution's final appeal, setting aside the High Court's November 2023 conviction and sentence of seven years' imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a RM10mil fine.
The decision brings to a close the young politician's years-long legal battle and marks a significant turning point in both his personal life and political future.
It also paves the way for his upcoming marriage to Bella.
The public confirmation came on March 28, 2026, when Syed Saddiq posted that he had proposed to Bella Astillah and she had said yes. He said the proposal took place on Mount Kinabalu in Sabah and that the engagement ceremony would follow in Kuala Lumpur.
They were engaged on March 28 this year. – Sinar Daily
