The Malaysian Insight

SYED Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman today claimed he has been threatened with blackmail by the same people who threatened his family to get him to quit as Bersatu Youth (Armada) chief and national politics.

He said the blackmail came with several sensitive photos through a smartphone app about 1.30am today.

“Before this, it was primarily targeted at my family (brother and father). But, the recent one was (targeted at) me.

“Not (through) email, (but) a particular app. But, I’m not in a position to mention it now. It’s blackmail,” he told a press conference at the Bersatu headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

Syed Saddiq had, earlier today, lodged a police report over threats made against him and his family members by those who had offered him RM5 million to leave Bersatu.

He said he was advised by the police to not reveal details about the threat as it was a serious matter, and that he expected to meet with police tonight to record his statement.

“I can’t reveal everything because it’s personal. It’s not a death threat but it’s more personal to threaten me and my family with revealing things that are related to the people from the other side,” he said, adding that he believed that the blackmail threat was from the same group of people as the modus operandi was the same. 

He also refused to comment when asked whether the photos would destroy his political career, saying he needed to first meet with the police and then lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. 

“It’s the same group who has been empowered and given resources to get top leaders of Bersatu to defect, especially when election is near, and they will do whatever it takes, from threats to bribery,” he said. 

On Monday, Syed Saddiq turned the tables on those who had allegedly tried to bribe him, revealing that he had been offered RM5 million to leave Bersatu.

At today’s press conference, which was held next to Umno headquarters, the 25-year-old said he was told that the offer came from people in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Syed Saddiq named the aide who sought to bribe him during the press conference yesterday. The Malaysian Insight is withholding the name pending verification and a response to questions from the aide’s press officer. 

Syed Saddiq said he had audio recordings of the conversations which took place between him and his would-be bribers and “other proof” that  such an offer was made. – October 4, 2017.