LABUAN: Labuan Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman said he decided to throw his weight behind Prime Minister Dauk Seri Anwar because he wanted Labuan to benefit but will continue to play his role as Mr Opposition on issues that seem not right on the island.
“Except the approach will be different, the issues of local or national will be brought to the PM’s attention and if there was no satisfactory results it will be highlighted in a manner like before.
“As an elected representative I cannot let down my constituents and Labuan, I have to serve the people. As a third term MP and former Chairman of Labuan Corporation the island is close to my heart and have a duty to elevate Labuan’s status,” said Suhaili.
He said before declaring support for the PM despite being a Bersatu MP, he consulted the Bersatu divisional committee here, including the youth and women’s wings, and it was unanimously agrred that it was in the best interests of Labuan.
He said as pro-government MP, he would be entitled to the RM 3.8 million annual allocation for development programmes and this would benefit Labuan.
Suhaili said so far no disciplinary action had been taken against him by the party adding but was prepared to face the consequences.
“If sacked, I will become an Independent MP.”
Last week, Bersatu appointed party Vice President Datuk Seri Radzi Jidin as Federal Territories chief to replace Suhaili.
Suhaili earlier declared his support for the PM and also Sabah Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor.
He pledged support for government’s policies and initiatives that prioritised people’ s welfare until the next general elections.
He was also vocal against the Federal Government’s revocation of the colonial era duty-free privileges which has been blamed for the worsening economic situation on the island.
Prior to Suhaili’s decision to back the Unity Government, former Sabah-based Foreign Minister Tan Sri Anifah Aman was appointed as senator representing the island.
However, the appointment came under scrutiny by many in Labuan who felt that the island’s interests were best championed by a Labuan-born.
They also pointed out that Anifah’s own Parti Cinta Sabah was rejected in elections in Sabah.
In the 15th General Election (GE) Suhaili collected 8,124 to win the Labuan seat after defeating Datuk Bashir Alias of Barisan Nasional by a majority of 708 votes.
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