‘Do not abuse your popularity’: Judge delivers warning after preacher Da’i Syed beats rape charge in split decision

Celebrity preacher Da'i Syed, whose real name is Syed Shah Iqmal Syed Mohd Shaiful (right), walks with his wife Hana Ismail and lawyer Datuk Abu Bakar Isa Ramat (left) in Putrajaya on November 4, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 04 Nov 2026 2:08 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 4 — 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.

Syed Shah Iqmal, 31, who was standing in the dock, was seen nodding as he listened to the judge’s remarks.

Earlier, in a 2-1 majority decision, Judges Datuk Azman Abdullah and Datuk Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid acquitted and discharged Syed Shah Iqmal of a charge of raping a woman in 2019, while the third panel member, Judge Datuk Meor Hashimi Abdul Hamid, dissented and would have upheld the conviction and sentence meted out by the lower court.

The panel made the decision after allowing Syed Shah Iqmal’s final appeal against his conviction and sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and three strokes of the cane, imposed by the Shah Alam Sessions Court.

After Judge Azman delivered the majority decision, Syed Shah Iqmal was seen weeping in the dock, while his wife, Hana Ismail, who was seated in the public gallery, was also seen crying.

On Dec 10, 2020, Syed Shah Iqmal pleaded not guilty to raping a 23-year-old woman at a condominium unit in I-City, Section 7, here, at about 1.35 am on Sept 11, 2019.

The charge was framed under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum jail term of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.

On April 10, 2023, the Shah Alam Sessions Court acquitted and discharged him of the charge after ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case at the close of its case.

However, the Shah Alam High Court subsequently allowed the prosecution’s appeal and ordered Syed Shah Iqmal to enter his defence. — Bernama