'I still have faith in judicial institutions' - Syed Saddiq

KUALA LUMPUR - Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said he not only accept and respect the court’s ruling but says that he still believes in the judiciary institution.

The Muar Member of Parliament said as a national policy maker (Member of Parliament), one important thing for him was to establish faith in the holy institution.

The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) former president emphasised that the matter should be taken seriously not just today but also in the future.

"There is no difference between me and other people, so I also have to respect the decision that has been set by the judge.

"As a result of discussions with the lawyers, we have a good case to file with the Court of Appeal and it is the best decision for me.

"The court is the best decider and arena to clear my name," he said in a press conference on Thursday.

Syed Saddiq said this after Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid sentenced him to flogging for white-collar crimes, in addition to being sentenced to seven years in prison and a fine of RM10 million.

Commenting further, Syed Saddiq said that the effort to change the country does not rest on a certain personality or individual but on the strength of institutions and parties.

He added in order to be a leader who wanted to develop the country, he needed to be 'whiter than white' (pure and honest).

He said that it was very important and should be highlighted to the people.

"I have to accept it as it is and as a captain, I have to fight to ensure Malaysia becomes a developed country," he said.

When asked if he was prepared to take criticism, Syed Saddiq said that he would address the issue with an open mind, just as he would accept the choice that had been forced upon him today.

He clarified that while the decision was hard to be accepted, he respected the judge's ruling and accepted it as it was.