Malaysian politician Syed Saddiq’s ‘invaluable’ cat Toby dies 

A cat that was listed as

part of his Malaysian owner’s financial assets

has died.

Mr Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, the founder of youth-based party Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), announced on his social media accounts on Tuesday that Toby, his beloved feline, “has left us”.

No cause of death was given.

“So sudden. So sad. I miss him so much. Thank you for being there for me in the toughest of times. May you rest well in ‘cat heaven’,” he said.

The post was accompanied by pictures of him and Toby in happier times.

Toby was one of two cats owned by Mr Syed Saddiq, 30. He has another cat called Meow Meow.

The two felines were in the news late last year when Mr Syed Saddiq included them as part of his asset declaration in the run-up to Malaysia’s Nov 19 general election.

He declared that his assets amounted to about RM2.81 million (S$848,000) as at Sept 30, 2022, with total liabilities of RM909,267. That left his net assets at around RM1.91 million.

The Muar Member of Parliament had described his pets as “invaluable” and he often posted pictures of them on his social media accounts.

“When we were serving in the Cabinet, we were asked to declare any gifts which value would be above RM500,” he said in November last year. “Since I got my cats in 2018 as gifts from my brother and a friend, I am declaring them as well because the felines are invaluable to me.”

Friends and supporters have flooded his social media with condolences.

Celebrity chef Redzuawan Ismail, popularly known as Chef Wan, said he was saddened by the news as Toby was a beautiful cat.

“I feel that loss in you as I have 11 cats myself... my condolences to you,” he said.

Ms Connie Yong, a member of the public, wrote: “I am so sorry for your loss... May the memories of Toby keep your heart warm and remain in your heart and soul.”