Syed Saddiq retains seat despite sentence pending appeal

SHAH ALAM - Muda President Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who was sentenced to seven years in prison, fined RM10 million, and subjected to whipping, still retains his position as the Muar MP because he has applied for a stay of execution pending an appeal.

According to lawyer Muhamad Hisham Marzuki, Syed Saddiq's status as a member of Parliament remains valid as long as the sentence is not carried out.

"Although the Kuala Lumpur High Court has imposed a sentence on Syed Saddiq, he still has the opportunity to appeal at a higher court level.

"Under the law, an individual who is imprisoned for 12 months or more or fined not less than RM2,000 will lose their eligibility as a Member of Parliament.

"However, this disqualification will only occur if the appeal process is completed in full," Hisham told Sinar yesterday.

Hisham, who is also the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association president explained that the appeal process will be considered complete if it is taken to the Court of Appeal and then the Federal Court.

"Syed Saddiq can submit an appeal to the Court of Appeal, so the decision (prison sentence, fine, and strokes) might be changed.

"However, if the Court of Appeal upholds the High Court's decision and Syed Saddiq is still dissatisfied, he can further appeal to the Federal Court.

"Once the Federal Court makes a final decision, the appeal process is considered complete and no further appeals can be submitted," he said.

Hisham added that the entire appeal process is expected to take at least three years to complete, barring any postponements.