Syed Saddiq puts Oxford studies on hold

PETALING JAYA: Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (pic) says he has decided to defer his pursuit of a Masters in Public Policy at Oxford University next year.

The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Pribumi) Youth chief claimed he was granted a scholarship worth about RM400,000 for his studies, but the deferment meant he will no longer be eligible for any scholarships from Oxford in the future.

Syed Saddiq said the decision was not easy but one that had to be made.

“I apologise to my family and close friends ... I hope they understand my decision,” he told a press conference which was also broadcast live on Facebook yesterday.

“I know that if I went to Oxford this year, my heart would not be there. I wouldn’t be able to focus on my studies. My heart would always be in Malaysia,” he said.

Seeming to hold back tears, he said it was his lifelong dream to study at the prestigious British university.

Syed Saddiq also claimed that he was offered money by an unnamed party to leave the country, and that both his family and him had been harassed.

From now on, he pledged to focus on issues that plagued the country.

“If we as a nation succeed, that is the best success anyone can get. That will forever be my ultimate dream,” he said.