Syed Saddiq Turned Down Oxford To Stay In Politics & Netizens Are Divided Over His Choice
BERSATU Armada (Youth) chief Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman said that he was offered RM5 million to accept the scholarship to study at Oxford.
By Tang Ruxyn — 03 Oct 2017, 05:12 PM
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) Youth chief Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman has declined the offer to study in Oxford University to remain active in politics
He made the announcement that he would give up his lifelong dream and reject the scholarship offer worth about RM400,000 to study in Oxford in a press conference yesterday, 2 October.
By declining the offer, he will no longer be eligible to reapply for another scholarship at the prestigious university.
A few months ago, the ARMADA (BERSATU Youth wing) chief took to social media to share the good news that he was offered a scholarship to study a full-time Master of Public Policy degree at the British university.
"I have made a decision to put Oxford behind and to prioritise, to focus on this struggle for a better Malaysia."
"Political party is not a priority. But I know if I were to go to Oxford, my heart will not be there. My heart will be in Malaysia," said Syed Saddiq, as reported by Malaysiakini.
He explained that the decision came about because he wanted to remain in the country to focus on the "unfinished challenges" here, as he vowed to fight for a better Malaysia.
"Please forgive me, mother. I have taken a stand to put Oxford behind and prioritise and focus to fight the country which is becoming sicker."
At the press conference, Syed Saddiq, a champion debater, also claimed that he was offered RM5 million by an aide to the prime minister to leave BERSATU and accept the offer to study in Oxford.
Several veteran politicians have urged Syed Saddiq to lodge a report over the alleged bribery
MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said that he viewed the matter as another "political gimmick" and challenged Syed Saddiq to report it, if it was true that someone had offered him money to leave the country.
"If this young man has the evidence, he should just report it to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the authorities," he was quoted as saying by The Star Online.
Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng also said that Syed Saddiq should make a report, in accordance to the law.
"I am not surprised (that Syed Saddiq was allegedly offered a bribe). He should report this to MACC. It is required by the MACC Act to report cases of bribery to the authorities," he was quoted as saying by The Malaysian Insight.
Meanwhile, fellow netizens have poured in their support for Syed Saddiq's decision to stay back in Malaysia
However, quite a number of netizens opined that he should have accepted the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at Oxford
