Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman announced during a press conference of his decision to let go of his dream of attending Oxford.

An Oxbridge or Ivy League education is incredibly expensive, and has broken many spirits. The choice between “going and leaving my family in colossal debt” versus “not going and not living up to societal expectations” is a heartbreaking one, and is a reality many young scholars have to deal with.

You may, of course, call this a struggle of the privileged. But isn’t that just what we are? People of differing income levels trying to outdo our forebears?

Make no mistake, Syed Saddiq isn’t trying to be a victim. The press conference was not simply about whether this young man was going to pursue his Master’s or not. He could have just posted something on Facebook, or sent out a press statement to the media. He chose otherwise.

Though heavily laced with personal torment, the press conference was held to reveal the scale and extent of corruption in this country.

Someone was willing to pay off Syed Saddiq, a possible “threat,” to leave our shores during this critical period. The alleged sweetener was RM5 million. Essentially, shut up, take the money, and disappear.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard stories of millions being passed around under tables. It also isn’t the first time we’ve heard of these millions, even billions being traced back to our the office of the Prime Minister.

So what next?

Well first, Syed Saddiq must report this case to the MACC, if he has not done so already. However, a little stamina from the public is urged. If any report to the commission is not followed through, and no parties are implicated, then we have to do more as citizens to ensure justice is done.

We have to draw attention to even the smallest day-to-day practices of corruption, exploitation, and nepotism. But don’t forget to give visibility to the positive, the transparent, and the good. Start talking with your family, your friends, your networks. Be open about what is wrong and what is right. We need to start learning to confront our realities as a nation.

And don’t just confine these thoughts to social media. Vote, volunteer, join a political party or get engaged with your community. You will not understand what this shared pain is if you do not get on the ground and start asking “What can I do to help?”

To young people like us: keep chasing the dream, keep moving forward. There is no space to remain passive.

Syed Saddiq made a conscious stance not to use the money from corrupt practices. Making morally correct decisions shouldn’t be an isolated case. Like him, we must believe we are capable of distinguishing between right and wrong.