SYED Saddiq Abdul Rahman today turned the tables on those who allegedly tried to bribe him, announcing that he was offered RM5 million to leave Bersatu.

At a press conference next to the Umno headquarters today, the 25-year-old Bersatu Youth chief said he was told that the offer came from those in the Prime Minister’s Office.

“All this was organised by an aide to the prime minister.

“I was offered RM5 million to leave Bersatu and take up a scholarship at Oxford University.

“I’m not leaving Bersatu, but will continue to expose this systematic network of corrupt activities.”

Syed Saddiq’s post on Instagram yesterday revealed that he had been offered a scholarship to pursue graduate studies in public policy at Oxford University.

He had said he was considering whether he should give up his political career to further his studies.

This morning, however, he dropped the bombshell that he was allegedly offered RM5 million to ditch Bersatu.

When asked to provide proof, Syed Saddiq said: “I have the proof and am now discussing with my lawyers before taking the matter to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.”

During the press conference, he named the aide to the prime minister who made the offer for him to leave the party.

The Malaysian Insight is trying to contact the aide for comment.

“This network of corrupt people had also approached other Bersatu members, who have since left the party,” said Syed Saddiq.

He said the RM5 million offered included a grant to set up debate schools nationwide.

“Threats and offers have been made since last year. It would start with a threat to hurt an individual’s financial standing, followed by attacks on those closest to the individual, like family and friends.”

He said he had kept mum when news spread of today’s press conference and its venue to ensure that the “reveal” was not compromised.

“I don’t know who organised this press conference. They are the ones who planned for it to be held here. I don’t have the money to call for a press conference here.

“In fact, I was threatened to attend. They have put their people here, too.”

Yesterday, Syed Saddiq had sent out invitations to the media to attend today’s press conference, reportedly to announce his decision to further his studies and clarify his status in Bersatu.

This sparked speculation that he would leave the party, as the venue of the press conference – Hotel Seri Pacific – is next to the Umno headquarters.

He also announced that he would put his studies on hold, including giving up a RM400,000 scholarship.

“This is not an easy decision. I stand to lose a RM400,000 scholarship from Oxford, and this means I will not be eligible to reapply for another scholarship.”

He stressed that his decision to postpone his studies had nothing to do with party politics and Bersatu leaders, but it was more about his determination to fight for a better Malaysia.

“A master’s in public policy from Oxford has long been a dream of mine. However, it can’t rival my love for my nation. It’s pointless for me to further my studies only to keep thinking about the state of the country.

“Oxford must wait. Malaysia will always be my priority.” – October 2, 2017.