PETALING JAYA: Muar member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has stepped down as Muda president, effective immediately.
This follows the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision this morning sentencing him to seven years' jail and two strokes of the cane for charges of abetting criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of property and two counts of money laundering.
In a press conference at Muda headquarters this evening, Syed Saddiq announced that Puteri Wangsa assemblyman and Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz was now acting party president.
"In order to become the president of Muda, what more become a nation builder, that leader must be whiter than white.
"And the fact of the matter is today, I don't deserve the role (as president) anymore.
"I will vacate the seat immediately, while I clear my name in court."
Syed Saddiq, 30, will still remain as a member of Muda and the party's sole member of Parliament, but will no longer be involved in any party decisions.
"However, I will continue to cooperate with other members to realise the dream of building a Malaysia that is developed, has dignity, and integrity.
"But in terms of holding the office of presidency after the (court) decision, I no longer deserve the role," he said.
The High Court handed out the sentence earlier today, after the defence failed to cast reasonable doubt against the prosecution's case.
Denying that the choice to step down as party president was an admission of defeat, he said Muda was a party bigger than any individual, including himself.
He also reiterated that this was a matter of his principles, adding that he needed to place a higher threshold on himself.
The decision to step down from the post was made collectively by the Muda leadership, he said.
"I know I have two more avenues for appeal, but this case is not a charge just made, or only a prima facie case, so I owe a duty not just to the public but also Muda members and leaders to take a step back.
"This is not about legality or bureaucracy, but a question of principles.
"It is important to send a clear message that Malaysians deserve better in politics, and while it may hurt me, I must walk the talk in defending this principle."
Syed Saddiq is however optimistic of his chances in appealing his case.
His lawyers, he added, had said there was a very strong case for appeal on both factual and constitutional grounds.
He also maintained that he would never use political influence to benefit him in his case.
"What is clear is that since before the charge was made, until the last few minutes, I will never ask for this case to be dropped, and will not use political influence to affect the decision, because I want to fight in court and clear my name in court.
"That is why I said I respect the court's decision. I have always defended the judicial institution, and I cannot be a hypocrite in this, defending it only when it serves my interest.
"That would be wrong," he added.
Admitting that becoming acting president was a huge responsibility, Amira believes the responsibility will be shared by the leadership and party members.
"These are big shoes to fill, and it is not easy. Together with others in Muda, we will steer the party together."
