No turning back, says MP

KOTA KINABALU: Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (pic) of Bersatu is standing firm with his decision to support the unity government amid a move by the party to decide his fate tomorrow.

“There is no turning back. I will not budge from my decision to support the unity government and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) under Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor,” he said.

(The GRS, which is part of the Federal Government, comprises seven parties including Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah led by Hajiji.)

“My decision is firm. The people of Labuan need to be in the mainstream of development. They have been suffering far too long,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Suhaili acknowledged that Bersatu was expected to decide on possible disciplinary action against him after he broke party ranks to support the unity government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“I leave it to them. Personally, I am not bothered how or what they say or decide. For me, I have decided for the people of Labuan to continue to get government development and assistance,” he said.

Suhaili said he remained a member of Bersatu.

On Oct 30, Suhaili declared support for Anwar’s leadership. He is the second MP from Bersatu to make such an announcement.

This led to the Bersatu leadership naming its vice-president Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin to take over as Federal Territories Bersatu head and Labuan division chief, which were held by Suhaili.

Bersatu’s Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid, who also declared support for Anwar on Oct 12, has been suspended for four years.

Suhaili said that the Prime Minister was expected to visit Labuan next month, so he would present several proposals to bolster the economy of the island.

Rising cost of living, lack of jobs, water and electricity issues and a lack of fresh economic initiatives are among key areas he hoped would get the attention of the Prime Minister.

He said supporting the unity government would enable him to help the people through various initiatives.

“Even with the MP’s allocation, I will be able to help the people who need help; from replacing their roofs blown off by winds to transport costs to seek health checks in Kota Kinabalu.

“People in Labuan have been suffering for far too long. I must act for their benefit,” he said, adding that the people in Labuan could not be left out.

Suhaili also claimed that he received strong backing from the people on his decision to support the unity government.