[UPDATED] It’s my call, not others’, to advise Agong when to dissolve Parliament: PM

KUALA LUMPUR – Political parties have no say and cannot influence the prime minister in presenting a suitable date to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Amidst increasing pressure from certain quarters to hold a general election by year-end despite the monsoon season, Ismail maintained that as head of government, he has the full prerogative to advise the king on determining an appropriate date for the parliament to be dissolved.

“The power to suggest to the king on Parliament’s dissolution date lies with the PM and him alone,” he said.

Ismail Sabri also pointed out that the decision to dissolve Parliament has nothing to do with other political parties. 

“During previous instances, there was never any open discussions about the date to dissolve Parliament. 

“There were no political parties that got involved with the process and there was no discussion with the PM’s own party as well.

“But I will look at the suggestions and opinions brought forward by other parties,” he said during the “Idea Bina Negara Anak Muda Malaysia” programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Shah Alam, today. 

His response comes after several political parties slammed the government’s plans to hold the upcoming general election during the monsoon season. 

Nearly 15,000 people have signed a petition initiated by PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli to oppose holding the election during the rainy season as weather reports predicted that floods would be much worse this year. 

Previously, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the PM will present a suitable date to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve parliament and pave the way for a general election to be held this year. – The Vibes, October 4, 2022.