KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 -- Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman described the five years of enduring his graft and corruption trial as "nothing short of hellish."

Recounting the events that led to his acquittal from four charges of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of funds, the former Youth and Sports Minister said words could not fully capture how devastating it was to see his name dragged through the mud.

The ordeal, he said, caused his mother's breast cancer to relapse, led to his removal as president of the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), and tarnished his reputation.

"I had prepared a speech, but honestly, when I came to court, I ignored it. Five years of having my name tarnished and accusations hurled at ...