BERSATU’S Labuan lawmaker Suhaili Abdul Rahman, who declared support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, has been suspended from the party for six years.

He is the party’s second lawmaker, after Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid, to be suspended on the same grounds.

In a statement, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said the party’s disciplinary board decided on this after a meeting today.

“The party’s disciplinary board convened today to examine the reported disciplinary breach and violation of the (party) constitution by Suhaili, who is Labuan MP and head of the Labuan and Federal Territories division.

“After carefully examining all documentary evidence, the seriousness of the mistakes, the implications and impact on the party, and also media statements from Suhaili on October 30, the disciplinary board found him guilty under clause 22.1(f) of the party’s constitution.

“Accordingly, the committee unanimously used its power under clause 22.5(c) of the constitution to suspend Suhaili’s membership, along with all positions in the party he holds, for a period of six years effective from the date of the decision, which is November 7,” said Hamzah.

On October 30, Suhaili declared his support for Anwar after taking into consideration the grievances of the people of Labuan, who are burdened by the rising cost of living and persistent water and power disruptions.

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

For his part, Iskandar declared that he supported Anwar as prime minister on October 12 but stressed he was staying loyal to Bersatu.

He reportedly said he made the decision after studying the complaints of voters. He also emphasised the urgent need to address the rising cost of living.

Hamzah previously alleged that Iskandar was coerced into taking up the stance by a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officer, who met the latter in a hotel on October 1. – November 7, 2023.