LABUAN MP Suhaili Abdul Rahman has accepted Bersatu’s decision to replace him as the Federal Territories Bersatu head and Labuan divisional chief.  

He said he remains a Bersatu member despite these changes. 

Suhaili believed the decision to replace him, particularly in the Labuan division, would not adversely impact Labuan Bersatu, as he remained a party member.  

“The future of the division is beyond my control, but it is a fact that the establishment of Labuan Bersatu is the result of my efforts and the strong support of local backers.  

“And the decision to appoint new leaders for the Federal Territory and Labuan is the prerogative of the party’s leadership,” he said today. 

The change in leadership was announced by Bersatu secretary general Hamzah Zainuddin on November 2. Bersatu’s supreme council appointed the party’s vice-president, Radzi Jidin, to replace Suhaili.  

This decision was made pending the outcome of the party’s disciplinary proceedings against Suhaili and Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid, both of whom declared their support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on October 12 and October 30, respectively. 

Suhaili on October 30 issued a statement declaring his support for the prime minister after taking into consideration the grievances of Labuan residents who were burdened by the rising cost of living and persistent water and power disruptions. 

Suhaili also declared support for Sabah Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Hajiji Mohd Noor. 

The Labuan Bersatu division in a statement on November 1 said it supported its Suhaili in declaring support for the prime minister and Sabah chief minister. 

This endorsement received unanimous backing from Labuan Bersatu’s divisional committee, youth, and women’s wings, which believed it would facilitate Labuan’s future development and progress. – Bernama, November 4, 2023.