Court Of Appeal Acquits Celebrity Preacher Da’i Syed Of Rape Charge

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 4 – The Court of Appeal has acquitted and discharged celebrity preacher Da’i Syed, whose real name is Syed Shah Iqmal Syed Mohd Shaiful, of a 2019 rape charge.

In a 2-1 majority decision delivered on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, a three-member panel chaired by Judge Datuk Azman Abdullah alongside Judge Datuk Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid allowed Syed Shah Iqmal’s final appeal. The ruling overturns the 10-year prison sentence and three strokes of the cane previously imposed by the Shah Alam Sessions Court.

Judge Datuk Meor Hashimi Abdul Hamid dissented, maintaining that the lower court’s conviction and sentence should be upheld.

Syed Shah Iqmal, 31, was seen weeping in the dock as the verdict was read, while his wife, TV presenter Hana Ismail, wept in the public gallery.

Delivering the majority judgment, Justice Azman highlighted fundamental errors in the factual findings of both the Sessions Court and High Court, noting that the conduct of the complainant (PW1) was inconsistent with a non-consensual sexual assault victim.

“There was no indication of anxiety, panic, immediate trauma, or distress on the victim’s part at the scene. Instead of attempting to escape, she stayed overnight at the appellant’s residence and only returned home the following day,” Justice Azman noted. “Upon arriving home, PW1 sent the appellant a ‘Safely Arrived’ message via WhatsApp and Instagram, and the two continued communicating for several months thereafter… maintaining contact and even seeking to arrange further meetings.”

Following the acquittal, Justice Azman issued a stern advisory warning to Syed Shah Iqmal regarding public influence and emotional manipulation.

“I would like to offer some advice to the appellant… 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,” Justice Azman admonished, emphasizing that individuals with religious standing must never take advantage of vulnerable persons.

Syed Shah Iqmal was initially charged on December 10, 2020, under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code over an alleged incident involving a 23-year-old woman at an I-City condominium in Shah Alam on September 11, 2019. He was acquitted at the prima facie stage in April 2023 before the High Court reversed that decision and ordered him to enter his defense.

Appeal Bench Decision, Judicial Advice, and Case Timeline

Key legal milestones, bench split details, and behavioral evidence highlighted include:

• Court Bench Decision: 2-1 Majority verdict (Judges Azman Abdullah & Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid in favor; Judge Meor Hashimi Abdul Hamid dissenting).
• Sentence Overturned: 10-year prison sentence and three strokes of the cane set aside; appellant fully discharged.
• Primary Acquittal Grounds: Absence of immediate trauma or distress; subsequent communications initiated by the complainant spanning several months.
• Judicial Advisory: Judge Azman warned against abusing celebrity popularity or exploiting emotionally vulnerable individuals under a religious guise.

–NMT