Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman today announced that he has turned down a scholarship to pursue his Master's degree in Public Policy at the Oxford University, England, to remain in politics.

Amid speculations of his resignation from Bersatu, Syed Saddiq told a press conference at Seri Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur that he had only consulted his parents and close friends, and the decision was made without the knowledge of his Armada (Bersatu Youth wing) colleagues or Bersatu's central leaders.

"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 the 25-year-old.

He also said that there was a reason for the press conference to be called at an Umno-linked hotel, alleging a conspiracy backed by unnamed party leaders out to weaken Bersatu by "threatening or bribing" its leaders.

"I was promised if I were to hold this press conference today, I will get RM5 million in cash and grants to set up debate schools in all states," he said, claiming that the offers had been made since December last year.

Among others, Syed Saddiq claimed that there was a move to target Bersatu's founding members and eventually portray the party as a platform to champion the personal agenda of its chairperson, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for his son Mukhriz.

"They are aiming for these individuals, to ensure that what is a people's movement, is labelled and seen as a private personal agenda-based movement.

"If there is anybody who tries to threaten or to bribe me, if any of their representatives are here, tell those bloody fools that I will not bow down!" he stressed.

He also claimed to have evidence of all the alleged bribery attempts and said he would be disclosing it to Bersatu's top leaders soon.

As for his future plans, Syed Saddiq said he aimed to continue pushing for a new political culture that is not only out to oppose Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Barisan Nasional, but also offers solutions to the people's problems.

A personal media invitation from Syed Saddiq yesterday had fuelled speculation over his pending announcement, which was kept secret from all his party colleagues.

On his Instagram account, Syed Saddiq had also uploaded a picture of himself holding up an offer letter from Oxford University, along with his parents.