The Court of Appeal acquitted celebrity preacher Da’i Syed of a 2019 rape charge in a 2-1 majority decision, allowing his appeal against a 10-year jail term.
PUTRAJAYA: A Court of Appeal judge has advised celebrity preacher Da’i Syed, whose real name is Syed Shah Iqmal Syed Mohd Shaiful, not to abuse his popularity or take advantage of vulnerable individuals.
Judge Datuk Azman Abdullah, who chaired a three-member panel, said exploiting individuals who were emotionally vulnerable could tarnish the reputation of those who projected a religious image.
“I would like to offer some advice to the appellant. This advice is not directed solely at you. We often come across cases involving rape, sodomy and similar offences occurring at pondok (religious) schools, allegedly committed by teachers…this reflects poorly on society,” he said.
