‘Opposition will exploit bankrupt MP issue’

A former Labuan MP has advised BN to resolve the status of its bankrupt parliamentarian Yussof Mahal

LABUAN: The federal government has been urged to clarify the status of Labuan MP Yussof Mahal who has allegedly been declared a bankrupt.

Calling for the Najib-led government to state its stand on the matter, a former Labuan MP Suhaili Abdul Rahman said the issue will likely be exploited by the opposition in the general election.

“The government must verify Yussof’s real situation as the opposition might use it as their weapon against BN.

“There will be a parliamentary sitting this coming Sept 24 and unless the government clarifies his real situation, the opposition will attack him during the sitting.

“They will claim that it is illegal for him to sit in the Parliament due to his court case. Just wait and see in two weeks time (when parliament sits),” said Suhaili during his Hari Raya open house here on Monday.

He said Yussof’s status was waiting to be manipulated by the opposition and when this happens it will tarnish the BN’s image.

“People are already asking questions. They are questioning whether he (Yussof) is still a qualified Labuan Member of Parliament and the chairman of Labuan Corporation. This is an issue waiting to be exploited,” Suhaili said.

In the 2008 elections, Yussof garnered 10,471 votes defeating independent candidate Lau Seng Kiat and PAS’ Matusin Abdul Rahman. Lau and Matusin gathered  2,014 and 1,106 votes respectively.

Yussof to ‘resolve’ matters
Last week the Yussof confirmed a  Labuan High Court order declaring him a bankrupt. The notice, which did not reveal the amount owed, was issued on Aug 7 and stemmed from an application filed on May 24.

Yussof reportedly said that he was trying to “resolve the matter soonest”.

“As a matter of law and as an MP, I will abide by the court decision and at the same time I am doing my best to appeal and settle this case.

“It will be resolved soon to ensure my position as MP remains,” he had said in a statement.

Meanwhile, speculations are rife that Suhaili is aiming to make his own comeback.

In the 2004 general election, Suhaili who was an incumbent  garnered 11,087 votes against 3,186 votes that went to Matusin. Umno-BN retained the seat.

But Suhaili was dropped in the 2008 polls and replaced by Yussof.

When asked about his political intentions, Suhaili declined to comment except to say “wait”.