MUDA’S future looks bleak with Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman convicted, and observers said this has damaged his reputation.

Muda’s stock has also plummeted as a result, especially considering the party has taken a strong stand on corruption and clean ethical politics.

Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the fact is Syed Saddiq’s name has been tainted so this will affect him as a politician.

“Even though he has announced he is going on leave, the party’s reputation and image have been tainted as Syed Saddiq is Muda and Muda is him.

“The support for the party could decline,” he said.

He said the Muar MP’s supporters may feel he has been persecuted. But for the rest, the court process has taken place and he was found guilty.

As for his deputy Amira Aisya Abd Aziz taking over as acting president, Awang Azman said she was not as prominent as Syed Saddiq.

“It’s not going to be easy for her to rectify the situation in the near future.”

Yesterday, Syed Saddiq said he was going on leave as Muda president following his conviction.

He said with immediate effect his deputy will take over.

“After a meeting earlier, I have decided to vacate my position with immediate effect while I clear my name through the court process.

“I don’t deserve the role. The role deserves someone who is whiter than white,” he told a media conference.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court sentenced Syed Saddiq to seven years in jail and two strokes of the cane after convicting the Muar MP of corruption.

The former youth and sports minister was also fined RM10 million.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia lecturer Dr Mazlan Ali said Syed Saddiq risked losing his status as a Muar MP even though he is appealing.

“But the court decision today has damaged his reputation as a young leader who has fought for transparency and anti-corruption.”

As for the future of the party, he said Syed Saddiq was a prominent leader and he think there is none in Muda with his stature or charisma to tap into the voters psyche.

“Therefore, I believe that Muda’s performance will become weak without Syed Saddiq.”

International Islamic University of Malaysia’s Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar said if his appeal failed it would spell the end of his career and the party would be finished.

“Muda does not have much influence among the voters, and being away from voters would further erode his support.

“Muda may not agree, but the party has been very dependent on Syed Saddiq. It remains to be seen if it can get a leader of the same stature or better. Without one, it won’t be known by the voters.” – November 10, 2023.