KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s seeming hesitation in calling for an early general election (GE) could stem from qualms over the possibility that his advice to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may be rejected, according to an opposition lawmaker.
PKR’s Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim noted that under Article 40 of the federal constitution, while the Agong is to act on the advice of the cabinet, His Majesty has the discretion to withhold consent for the dissolution of Parliament.
Hassan, who is a lawyer, said if the prime minister were to call for an election anytime next year, the king would, by constitutional convention, agree to the proposal.
This is considering that there would only be months left before the current parliamentary term ends, he said, adding that a snub by the king then could lead to a constitutional crisis.
“However, if the prime minister, under duress, advised the Agong to dissolve the 14th Parliament either today or in the coming weeks and months of 2022, then there is a risk that his request may be turned down.
“It would be embarrassing for a prime minister if the Agong rejects his advice, just like what happened with the previous prime minister. This may be why Ismail Sabri is treading carefully,” he said in a statement today.
Hassan was commenting on Ismail Sabri’s statement yesterday that the Agong has the final say in determining when an election is held, and that it would be unconstitutional for him to announce a date in advance.
The Bera MP had been on DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook’s firing line for supposedly flip-flopping on the election date in the past week.
Ismail Sabri is under heavy pressure from top Umno leaders to call for an early election.
Hassan said that considering the king has the sole jurisdiction in approving a general election, it would be wise for all parties to be patient in calling for national polls.
“To the court cluster and non-court cluster who appear very excited about returning the corridors of power, be a bit patient.
“Settle your court cases first, hold your respective party election, control the inflation so it doesn’t become a hyper-inflation.
“Once the situation is appropriate and comfortable, and Covid-19 is truly no longer a threat to public health, then, by all means, hold the 15th general election.” - The Vibes, June 6, 2022
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