MUDA leaders are confident that president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s ongoing trial for alleged financial crimes will not tarnish the party’s reputation as many believe this is a clear case of political prosecution.

They told The Malaysian Insight it is common knowledge that this case came about after the Muar MP refused to support an embattled former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, fighting to hold on to his position.

Party leaders said, given Syed Saddiq’s reputation for transparency and his strong relationship with his constituents, they believe the public will not be swayed by what is thought to be a smear campaign against the 30-year-old.

Syed Saddiq is facing four charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of funds and money laundering.

The charges are framed under section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

If convicted, Syed Saddiq could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of five times the sum involved.

Muda central executive committee member Beatrice Chin said support for the party has only grown stronger since Syed Saddiq’s case began two years ago.

She cited the recent Johor elections, where Muda managed to secure one out of seven seats it contested in its first outing in elections.

Party secretary-general Amira Aisya Abd Aziz won in Puteri Wangsa with a majority of 7,114 votes in a six-horse race.

“We acknowledge there are two spectrums to this end. First is the extreme stance that people may equate Syed Saddiq to other persons in power as ‘corrupted’ or taking people’s money for his political benefit,” she said.

“Though in fact, this is not true at all. The people know and believe that this is a political prosecution because he refused to support Muhyiddin,” she said.

She said the second spectrum could be that this trial is a political hoax intended to shame Syed Saddiq rather than prosecute him.

Beatrice said the public is not alien to the fact that he has a reputation for being transparent with his conduct, action, and ethics. 

“Many people have been well aware of his contributions and humble attitude towards the people for several years now.

“Though, we are aware that this trial might sway the public perception a little, we believe many still stand by him.

“The public will sympathise with Syed Saddiq and recognise the authority’s intimidation as political prosecution,” Chin added.

Muda vice president Teo Lee Ken said Malaysians will support parties and leaders that are committed to the interests of the people, especially those that advocate values and policies that create a fair and progressive nation. 

“The party can articulate and undertake these agendas that will determine peoples’ support, instead of the political persecution of Syed Saddiq,” he said.

Another central executive committee member, Siti Rahayu Baharin said she welcomed the trial and “everything that leads to the truth, transparency, and integrity”.

She said this would be the way forward for Muda in addressing the truth.

Siti said the practice of protecting corrupted leaders is long gone and the rule applies to all leaders and members of the party.

“It is never politics of pity or sympathy but Muda upholds the politics of truth, service, and compassion,” she said.

Muda was established in 2020 to ‘disrupt’ the current political system by prioritising the youth’s voice and participation in politics as well as bringing about fresher and newer policy ideas that benefit all Malaysians.

The party currently has 72,634 members. – July 1, 2022.