PUTRAJAYA: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman says his immediate priority after being cleared by the Federal Court is not politics, but spending time with his family and planning the next chapter of his life with his fiancée, Bella Astillah.
Earlier on Monday (July 13), the Federal Court, in a two-to-one majority decision, dismissed the final appeal of the prosecution against the acquittal of Syed Saddiq.
The decision affirmed the ruling of the Court of Appeal to free him of four charges involving criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering. Holding back emotions after the verdict, Syed Saddiq paid a heartfelt tribute to Bella, saying she stood firmly by his side even when his future remained uncertain.
"It is not easy because before she was with me, I was still considered guilty," he said.
"People forget that. Before the Court of Appeal's unanimous decision, I was a convicted person. But she remained patient and stayed by my side."
He said the unwavering support of Bella gave him the strength to endure the six-year legal battle. After performing a sujud syukur, Syed Saddiq revealed that both his parents had given him the green light to take the next step in his personal life.
"I want to spend a lot of time with my family," he said.
"I also want to sort my own personal life in order."
Syed Saddiq also expressed his gratitude to the people of Muar, saying they continued to place their trust in him despite the criminal proceedings hanging over him before the 2022 general election.
He recalled that he was still facing the court case just one to two weeks before polling day, yet Muar voters returned him as their Member of Parliament for a second term.
"I owe a debt of gratitude to the people of Muar," he said.
"They never stopped believing in me."
He added that he plans to hold a thanksgiving gathering for Muar residents after Parliament sits, saying he remains committed to improving the welfare of the constituency.
On his political future, Syed Saddiq stressed that he has never left the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance, but said he would take time before making any major political decisions.
"Give me time to study," he said.
"The fire to help rebuild Malaysia will never ever be extinguished."
Reflecting on the six-year ordeal, Syed Saddiq said the experience reinforced his belief in the judicial independence of Malaysia.
He added that the decision demonstrated the importance of preserving strong and impartial institutions.
"Human beings can plan, but Allah determines everything," he said.
"I never abandoned my principles or sought special treatment because I knew I was on the side of the truth."
He also thanked his parents, family, friends, supporters and members of the media for standing by him throughout the lengthy legal process.
He expressed hope that no one, regardless of political differences, would have to endure a similar experience.
