KUALA LUMPUR: Muar member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has shown more courage facing the court compared to other senior leaders.
Muafakat Nasional deputy president Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said Syed Saddiq never utilised his position or connections with the federal government to influence court proceedings or seek alternative ways to escape legal consequences.
She said the situation is in contrast with some leaders who are willing to employ various tactics to try to evade charges in court, bypassing the transparent legal process.
"After considering the arguments presented by both the defence and prosecution, High Court Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid made the most impartial decision possible in this trial.
"However, it cannot be denied that Syed Saddiq, a young leader, has exhibited remarkably high courage compared to some senior leaders when faced with a similar situation.
"Unlike that senior leader, Syed Saddiq did not falter. Despite having the ability to employ any means to secure his release, he chose to navigate the legal process according to proper procedures and rules," she said in a statement.
Yesterday, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was found guilty of all corruption charges brought against him in 2021 after failing to cast reasonable doubt against the prosecution's case.
The former Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president was represented by counsel Gobind Singh Deo while deputy public prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin prosecuted the case.
He then announced stepping down as Muda president effective immediately.
Previously, the public was taken aback by the withdrawal of charges in court by the prosecution in the high-profile case of a senior leader facing 47 criminal charges, Zuraida added.
"This raised concerns among the public as the case was already at the defence stage.
"Honestly, as a Malaysian citizen, I have confidence in the judicial institutions in our country. However, what is worrying is the rise of selective prosecution that has been observed lately.
"Perhaps this is an embodiment of a "Madani" state where timid politicians will always escape consequences, while those with integrity and courage will be consistently suppressed and trampled upon."