One day after exposing alleged attempts to threaten and bribe him into leaving Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said he would be lodging official reports to facilitate investigations by the authorities.

“I will meet my lawyers before lodging reports tomorrow.

“I will lodge two separate reports; one to the police for the threats against my family and the other with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on possible corrupt practices involved in the offerings,” the 25-year-old said, adding that there could also be elements of abuse of power.

Syed Saddiq had during a press conference yesterday, claimed that he was offered RM5 million in cash and grants to set-up debate schools nationwide by an individual linked to the Prime Minister’s Department.

The offer, Syed Saddiq claimed, was made after previous alleged threats on him and his family failed to convince him to leave Bersatu.

He also claimed the press conference was held at an Umno-linked hotel at the request of the individual in question, without the knowledge of any other Bersatu leaders.

Syed Saddiq, meanwhile, told Malaysiakini today that he has since contacted Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.

“I talked to Tan Sri (Muhyiddin) yesterday and to Tun (Mahathir) today. They have been immensely supportive,” Syed Saddiq said, although conceding that there were initial speculations that he could have been “bought” to leave the party.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said this morning he was not surprised by Syed Saddiq’s allegation and urged the latter to lodge a report with the MACC for further action.

‘Attempts to defame Najib’s administration’

Umno Overseas Clubs Alumni chairperson Wan Md Hazlin Agyl Wan Hassan, meanwhile, described the allegations against Umno and Najib as “irresponsible, baseless and malicious.”

In a statement, he cited Mahathir’s reported remarks last night that an aide to Najib had been making alleged attempts to bribe Saddiq and other Bersatu leaders.

“If these allegations are true, the matter should have been reported to the authorities for further investigation.

“Exposing through the media is only a propaganda move to seek cheap publicity for political gains,” he said.