SINGAPORE: In a significant legal move, Malaysia’s Court of Appeal has granted Syed Saddiq, the Member of Parliament for Muar, temporary access to his passport, allowing him to travel to Singapore for the highly anticipated Youth and Civic Engagement Symposium organized by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute scheduled for January 21.

Syed Saddiq's request for temporary passport release comes as he has been invited to be one of the main speakers at the symposium, titled “Youth and Civic Engagement Symposium: A Survey of Six Southeast Asian Countries.” This platform will also feature prominent speakers, including Annisa M.A. Mahesa from Indonesia’s ruling Gerindra Party and Raoul Danniel Abellar Manuel from the Kabataan Party-list in the Philippines.

This important symposium, spearheaded by ISEAS's Regional Social and Cultural Studies (RSCS), aims to delve into youth civic engagement across Southeast Asia, highlighting their crucial role in shaping future political landscapes. According to reports, the symposium is part of a broader research project focused on understanding the civic and political attitudes of young people in the region.

Following the court's proceedings, which were presided over by a panel of three judges, it was noted that there was no objection raised by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's deputy public prosecutor, Muhammad Asraf Mohamed Tahir, allowing the passport release. Syed Saddiq's legal representation, including counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, confirmed that he would return to Kuala Lumpur after attending a close friend’s wedding in Kota Kinabalu.

However, the backdrop to this temporary reprieve is particularly intense for the young politician. In November 2023, the High Court found Syed Saddiq guilty on four counts of criminal breach of trust, money laundering, and misappropriation of funds, culminating in a seven-year prison sentence, two strokes of the cane, and a staggering fine of RM10 million. He promptly appealed the decision, with the appeal hearing set for March 19 and 20, 2024.

The symposium promises to be a pivotal event, featuring diverse speakers such as Thai student activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal and Malaysian political scholars. The first panel session will commence with insights from ISEAS researchers, while the second panel will include Syed Saddiq and other notable politicians discussing patterns of youth attitudes in their respective countries.

The stakes are high both for Syed Saddiq and young political leaders across Southeast Asia, with the outcomes at the symposium potentially influencing the region’s civic engagement dynamics in the years to come.