Prosecution files two amended charges against Syed Saddiq

KUALA LUMPUR: The prosecution filed two amended charges on Thursday (March 24) against Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman in connection with charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM1mil and misappropriation of RM120,000 belonging to the youth wing of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda or Armada.

However, Syed Saddiq, 29, pleaded not guilty to both the charges which were read out before High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan during the case management on Thursday.

According to the first amended charge, the former youth and sports minister was alleged to have abetted Armada assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali, who was entrusted with Armada’s fund amounting RM1mil, in committing the CBT.

The offence was allegedly committed at CIMB Bank Bhd at Menara CIMB KL Sentral, Jalan Sentral 2, here on March 6, 2020.

The charge, framed under Section 406 of the Penal Code, provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years with whipping and a fine, if convicted.

On the second amended charge, Syed Saddiq was charged with misappropriation of RM120,000 belonging to Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise in Maybank Islamic Bhd for his own use, which resulted in Rafiq disposing of the money.

Syed Saddiq was charged with committing the offence at Malayan Banking Bhd, Jalan Pandan 3/6A, Taman Pandan Jaya here between April 8, 2018, and April 21, 2018.

The charge was framed under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of between six months and five years, with whipping and liable to a fine, if found guilty.

Prior to this, he was charged with two counts of engaging in money laundering activities, namely two transactions of RM50,000 from his Maybank Islamic Bhd account into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account, which is believed to be proceeds of illegal activities.

He was alleged to have committed the offence at a bank in Jalan Persisiran Perling, Taman Perling here on June 16 and June 19, 2018.

The charges were framed under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 which is punishable under Section 4 (1) of the same Act, providing of maximum imprisonment of 15 years and a fine not less than five times the amount or proceeds of illegal activities.

Judge Mohamed Zaini maintained the dates that had been set earlier for the hearing when informed by Deputy Public Prosecutor from the Malaysian Anti -Corruption Commission (MACC) Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin that there was no change in the trial dates and lawyer Gobind Singh Deo, representing Syed Saddiq, did not object to it.

The court had previously set 22 days to hear the case, beginning June 7 to 10, June 20-22, June 27 and 28 as well as July 4-8, July 13-15 and July 18-22. - Bernama