Suhaili files appeal after court tosses out suit against Bersatu
Labuan MP Suhaili Abdul Rahman said he would only relinquish his Dewan Rakyat seat if his appeal gets rejected by the Federal Court. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : Labuan MP Suhaili Abdul Rahman has filed an appeal against the Shah Alam High Court's April 15 decision to
Labuan MP Suhaili Abdul Rahman has filed an appeal against the Shah Alam High Court's April 15 decision to
strike out his suit against Bersatu over his expulsion from the party.
Stressing that his parliamentary seat remains in 'status quo', Suhaili said he still has recourse to the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.
'If I lose at the Federal Court, then I will resign (as MP),' he told FMT.
Suhaili also accused Bersatu of being preoccupied with toppling the government instead of prioritising the people's welfare.
'The public is worried about rising tariffs that could impact the economy, but they (Bersatu) are still obsessed with by-elections and toppling the government.
'One seat won't change the government. If they're so eager to return to power, wait for the next general election (GE16),' he said.
Earlier this evening, Bersatu chief whip Ronald Kiandee said the party had submitted a letter to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul demanding that he declare the Labuan seat vacant after the court dismissed Suhaili's lawsuit.
He said the speaker's earlier reasoning for not vacating the seat was no longer relevant or applicable.
Suhaili is among six MPs whose Bersatu membership was terminated last June after they declared support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The others are Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli) and Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar).
Under Article 49(A) of the Federal Constitution, also known as the anti-hopping law, MPs cease to be members of the Dewan Rakyat and their seats become vacant if they, having been elected as members of a political party, resign or cease to be members of that party.
However, MPs get to keep their seats if they are sacked by their party.
Johari had earlier declined to declare the seats vacant.
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