KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 — Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman who was today convicted of four corruption related charges, gets to keep his seat in Parliament for the time being.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said until the independent lawmaker from the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) has exhausted all legal avenues, the latter’s position as Muar MP does not change.
“Until all his legal means have been exhausted, I think he has two more courts to go,” Johari told a press conference at his office in Parliament building this afternoon.
The High Court had earlier today allowed a stay of execution of all the sentences pending appeal, which means Syed Saddiq is still a member of Parliament.
The Federal Constitution Article 48(4)(a) shows that an MP will be disqualified 14 days from the date he or she was sentenced to not less than RM2,000 in fine or not less than one year jail and has not received a free pardon.
But Article 48(4)(b) provides if an MP appeals the conviction or sentence within 14 days, the MP would only be disqualified 14 days from when the court decides on the appeal.
Syed Saddiq’s lawyer, Gobind Singh Deo confirmed they would be filing an appeal this evening.
The 31-year-old was found guilty on all four charges of abetting criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of assets and money laundering related to the aforementioned funds belonging to Armada.
