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Malaysia speculates on future of political star Syed Saddiq after shocking corruption verdict

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Experts say that former Malaysian minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman's conviction on four counts of graft charges gives negative perception on Anwar Ibrahim's government.

Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman stepped down as president of youth-based Malaysian United Democratic Alliance party hours after the conviction.

PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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What the future holds for one of Malaysia’s brightest young political stars is anyone’s guess after his shocking

conviction and sentencing for corruption on Thursday

. He got a jail sentence and caning – a first for a Malaysian lawmaker – plus a hefty fine.

Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, the handsome politician who holds the record

as Malaysia’s youngest minister

– he was 25 when appointed to the Cabinet in 2018 – stepped down as president of his youth-based party, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), hours after the conviction.

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