Syed Saddiq on a mission to clear his name

KUALA LUMPUR: In light of the guilty verdict by the High Court yesterday, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is on a mission to clear his name, saying he will appeal the decision.

The Muar MP said although he respects the court’s decision, he is determined to exhaust every legal process available, starting with filing for an appeal yesterday.

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“I will use the court ... the judicial system to clear my name. As a policymaker, I must trust the judiciary and I respect the court’s decision today because the judiciary is the last bastion for the people, including myself, in getting justice.

“I’ve discussed with my lawyers and we believe we have a good case here and we will let the justice system be the platform to clear my name,” he told reporters outside the High Court yesterday.

His lawyer Gobind Sing Deo said they hoped to get a date for the proceeding soon for the appeal.

Appeals ahead: Syed Saddiq addressing the media outside the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.— RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

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Asked if he is ready to hear criticisms from various quarters following the guilty verdict, Syed Saddiq said although the decision was difficult to swallow, he will accept any brickbats.

“To be the kind of leader who can do the best for the country, one must be whiter than white to realise the Malaysian dream.

“I will accept any criticism because I am no different from any other person in this country.”

Syed Saddiq, who appeared dispirited after hearing the verdict, was comforted by his father Syed Abdul Rahman Abdullah Alsagoff and mother Shariffah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz who were also at the High Court yesterday, along with Muda members and supporters.