KOTA KINABALU: Labuan MP Datuk Rozman Isli has quit Umno to join Parti Warisan Sabah.

In a statement on Thursday (Oct 11), he said the decision was to ensure that Labuan continues to develop in various aspects especially in its economy.

"I have started getting used to be in the opposition front following GE14 but after considering the needs of the people and listening to advice from many quarters, I decided that I must not let the people of Labuan be left behind," he said.

Rozman said the only way to make sure that Labuan's development stay relevant, the administration must be in sync and work closely with the government of the day.

He said prior to GE14, he had actually started pushing for more collaborations with the then Barisan Nasional-led government.

As for his current political struggle for the people, he wants Labuan to work together with the new leaders in fighting for Sabah's rights in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

"We also wish to have a representative from Labuan to sit in the Dewan Rakyat as practised before," Rozman said.

He said having a representative in the Dewan Rakyat means more voice for the Labuan people.

"Labuan is actively involved in the oil and gas industry as well as tourism, but there are still so many untapped aspects we can look into, and this is where I hope Labuan and Sabah are able to work together," he said.