Judge Reminds Syed Saddiq Against Talking About Case Online

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High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan said the Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (Muda) president should be able ‘separate the hats” that he wears between being a politician and an accused. - NSTP/EIZAIRI SHAMSUDINKUALA LUMPUR: Muar member of parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was today reminded not to go overboard when commenting about his corruption cases on social media.
High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan said the Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (Muda) president should be able 'separate the hats" that he wears between being a politician and an accused.
"I understand his (Syed Saddiq) predicament being in the public eye, but he must distinguish his positions when making any comment about the case online.
"Maybe the defence team can advise their client on this."
Zaini said this after deputy public prosecutor Wan Shahruddin Wan Ladin raised the issue during the former youth and sports minister's proceedings today.
Wan Shaharuddin, who was not amused by issue, said he recommended Syed Saddiq to be more cautious when making such statements as it come back to bite the latter.
"I am not requesting a gag order, but rather a reminder from someone more mature than the accused.
"He should not be posting about his defence on Facebook as this could be used against him in this court later on," he said.
Counsel Gobind Singh Deo who represented Syed Saddiq argued that there must be some flexibility to speak about the case as his client is a politician.
"He was asked about his court case by the public as the people want to know his view about it.
"However, we understand and take note the position of the prosecution," he said.
Earlier, Syed Saddiq maintained his innocence on his criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of funds and money laundering charges involving funds from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
He was charged in his capacity as Bersatu Youth (Armada) chief, who had been entrusted with control of the Armada fund, with committing CBT by withdrawing RM1 million through a CIMB Bank Bhd cheque without obtaining permission from the Bersatu Supreme Council Leadership.
The offence, under Section 405 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum 10 years jail with whipping, and fine.
Syed Saddiq also faces a charge of misusing RM120,000 in donations meant for the 14th General Election (GE14) campaign collected through the Maybank Islamic Bhd account owned by Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise.
The offence, under Section 403 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum five years jail with whipping and fine.
Syed Saddiq also faces two counts of engaging in money laundering activities, namely two transactions of RM50,000 from his Maybank Islamic Bhd account into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account, which is believed to be proceeds of illegal activities.
The charges under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 carries a maximum 15 years jail and a fine of not less than five times the amount or proceeds of illegal activities.
The court fixed March 24 for the next case management. - NST

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