Syed Saddiq thanks supporters as he turns focus to family, Muar and politics
PUTRAJAYA: The end of a six-year legal battle has given Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman a chance to look beyond politics and focus on his family and fiancee Bella Astillah.
Walking out of the Palace of Justice as a relieved man, the Muar MP said Bella had stood by him through the uncertainty and pressure.
“It’s not easy because before this, I was still considered guilty... but she remained patient and stayed with me.”
Syed Saddiq said Bella’s unwavering support, together with the encouragement from his parents, helped him endure the lengthy legal battle.
Asked if wedding preparations would begin soon, he declined to reveal a date.
“I don’t want this to be about my personal life. I want today to be about the institution of justice,” he told reporters after the verdict yesterday.
However, he did not rule out marriage soon, saying his parents had given their blessing for him to take the next step.
The Federal Court affirmed the Court of Appeal’s June 25, 2025, decision to acquit Syed Saddiq of four charges involving criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering.
Syed Saddiq said for now, his priority was spending time with his loved ones and putting his personal affairs in order.
He also thanked the people of Muar for continuing to place their trust in him despite the case hanging over him before the 2022 general election.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to the people of Muar. I will continue looking for the best ways to serve them and improve their welfare,” he said, adding that he hoped to organise a thanksgiving gathering for Muar residents after the Parliament sitting ends.
On his political future, Syed Saddiq reaffirmed his commitment to Malaysian United Democratic Alliance, stressing that he had never left the party.
“Give me time. I want to study first. But the flame to help rebuild Malaysia will never ever be extinguished,” he said.
Reflecting on the six-year ordeal, he said the experience strengthened his faith in Malaysia’s judiciary and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the country’s institutions.
“I never abandoned my principles, never sought special treatment and never took shortcuts because I knew I was on the side of the truth,” he said.
From the Palace of Justice, Syed Saddiq headed to Parliament, maintaining his perfect attendance record despite years spent attending the court proceedings.
He was seen entering the Dewan Rakyat at noon, expressing his determination to continue fulfilling his responsibilities as an MP.
Syed Saddiq said he was looking forward to debating the Constitution (Amendment) Bill on the separation of roles between the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor.
“I am one of the bipartisan committee members who proposed this constitutional amendment to ensure that the Attorney General’s office is free from political interference.
“As such, I have to fulfil my responsibility as an MP, but the Bill is postponed. Regardless, I still look forward to debating the Bill later,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bella described the day as one of the happiest moments of her life.
She said seeing Syed Saddiq’s mother, Sharifah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz, finally smile after years of standing by her son throughout the legal battle made the moment even more meaningful.
