SANDAKAN – The power to seek the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s consent to dissolve Parliament lies with the prime minister, and it is unnecessary for Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to get approval from other political parties, said Warisan.
Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said in his previous experience as a cabinet member for several years, there was never a system where a prime minister would get approval from others before calling an election.
“All this while, a prime minister could just hold a cabinet meeting, not mentioning the election, but announce the dissolution of Parliament two to three days later.”
He added that Warisan has no say in determining the date of the general election but can only provide an opinion.
On Umno pushing for a national polls this year, Shafie said the public should be empowered to vote but this cannot happen during the monsoon season.
“How are people going to vote during the floods? By boat? Maybe there isn’t even a polling centre (because of the flood).”
He said this at a press conference today after attending Warisan’s Zone 5 Mooncake Festival celebration in Tiong Hua hall, here today.
On the upcoming Budget 2023, Shafie said he hopes the government will highlight ways to address leakages and be prudent in its fiscal management.
He said in light of the global economic crisis, presenting details pertaining to financial management, leakages, and transparency are more important than presenting how much allocation each ministry will be getting.
“I hope the government and the leaders will take measures in managing allocation for each ministry. How can the government manage the economy well when there is no mention on how to address leakages?”
Yesterday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said Ismail Sabri will present a suitable date to the Agong to dissolve Parliament and pave the way for a general election to be held this year.
Reading out a statement to the press following the conclusion of the Umno Supreme Council meeting last night, Ahmad said this is in line with the party’s decision to return the mandate back to the people.
“The dissolution of Parliament must be held soon, to allow the 15th general election to be held within this year. Based on this decision, the prime minister will present a date for dissolution to the king in line with Article 40 of the federal constitution,” he said. – The Vibes, October 1, 2022
