Muda expected to face a crisis of public trust – Analyst

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) is expected to face a crisis of public trust in the party's struggle after its President Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was found guilty of white-collar crime charges.

Universiti Teknologi Mara's Centre of Media and Information Warfare Studies political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said that party members needed to act immediately to address public perception and response.

"I think in his (Syed Saddiq) case, there is no connection with the party's future because what happened is one form of punishment after being found guilty, including politicians.

So, this party may face some problems, but any party in this country certainly has its ups and downs, including Muda itself.

"This will usually be one of the indicators or benchmarks for other parties to learn from what is happening for the good of mature democracy and political stability in the country," he said today.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court today found Syed Saddiq, who is also the Member of Parliament for Muar, guilty of four charges of conspiracy to breach trust, misuse of funds and money laundering of illegal funds from the Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada).

Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid made the decision after the defence failed to raise reasonable doubt at the end of the case.

Moreover, Nirwandy added that the flogging punishment, RM10 million fine and seven-year prison sentence imposed by the court on the Muda leader proved that the country's justice system was transparent.

"The country's legal system must be respected by all parties, including politicians and no speculation must be raised.

"It is a matter that needs to be viewed in the context of the law and is not one form to bring down a party. It is time for this country to move towards a diversity of mature political parties," he said.

Earlier, Syed Saddiq announced that he had vacated the presidency post for Muda, which he helped set up.

The position would be helmed by his deputy Amira Aisya Abd Aziz for the time being.