Kuala lumpur: The Federal Court was informed that Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was the 'mastermind' in the criminal breach of trust (CBT) case concerning the Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada) funds. Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin argued that Syed Saddiq allegedly directed Rafiq Hakim Razali, the then assistant treasurer of Armada and the 13th prosecution witness (SP13), to withdraw RM1 million from the youth wing's funds.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wan Shaharuddin emphasized during the prosecution's appeal against Syed Saddiq's acquittal that Rafiq Hakim's actions were based on the respondent's instructions. The statement made by Rafiq Hakim was supported by testimonies from other witnesses, including SP8 Muhammad Naqib Ab Rahim, SP9 Muhammad Daniel Kusari, SP10 Abdul Hannan Khairy, and SP11 Ahmad Redzuan Mohamed Shafi.
Wan Shaharuddin pointed out that these witnesses reported their actions were carried out under the respondent's directives, portraying Syed Saddiq as the 'mastermind' of the CBT incident. He further explained that in cases of abetment, the prosecution can choose to charge only the abettor without involving the principal offender, as there is no legal hindrance against this approach.
The prosecution argued that evidence indicating Syed Saddiq instructed SP13 to manage the RM1 million during the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's search was overlooked by the Court of Appeal. Wan Shaharuddin also mentioned that the prosecution witnesses, being friends of Syed Saddiq, had no motives to falsify their testimonies.
Meanwhile, Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib highlighted fundamental errors committed by the Court of Appeal in reversing Syed Saddiq's convictions related to dishonest misappropriation and money laundering involving RM120,000 from political fundraising events. He argued that this misinterpretation of the law could undermine public trust in the governance of political campaign finances, stressing the fiduciary duty owed by Syed Saddiq over entrusted funds.
The hearing continues before a panel of three Federal Court judges, with several deputy public prosecutors and a legal team representing Syed Saddiq. Previously, the Court of Appeal acquitted Syed Saddiq on June 25, overturning his seven-year sentence, caning, and a RM10 million fine. Following this, the Attorney General's Chambers filed an appeal in the Federal Court. Syed Saddiq faces charges under the Penal Code and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, carrying significant penalties upon conviction.