[UPDATED] S’gor Sultan consents to not dissolve state assembly

KUALA LUMPUR – The Selangor government has received the consent of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah not to dissolve its legislative assembly in line with the dissolution of Parliament yesterday. 

This will now allow the state to carry on its administration and focus efforts on other more pressing issues, including the incoming monsoon season. 

In a statement, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the consent was given during an audience he had with His Majesty at the Istana Bukit Kayangan in Shah Alam this morning. 

“I have conveyed the state government’s commitment and preparation in facing possible flooding in Selangor, efforts to recover the economy, providing welfare aid, and preparation for the 2023 state budget – which will be tabled in the assembly this year. 

“His majesty has consented that the administration is maintained so that attention can be focused on efforts on ensuring the rakyat's well-being is taken care of,” he said today. 

Amirudin’s statement follows the dissolution of Parliament as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a special address yesterday, paving the way for a fresh election to be held before the end of the year. 

The move has already infuriated large segments of the public, who accuse the Umno government of putting self-interest ahead of the people’s well-being, considering the flooding projected to happen in the coming weeks.

During his address yesterday, Ismail Sabri had also urged all state governments to similarly dissolve their respective assemblies as part of a cost-cutting measure. 

Yesterday, Amirudin had confirmed that he will meet the sultan today to brief the ruler on the need to withhold an election, and said there is a very minimal chance of Selangor heading into an election concurrently with the federal polls. 

“As of now, there is a 98% chance that the state assembly will be maintained,” he had said at an event yesterday. 

Penang, which is led by DAP, is still undecided about whether to dissolve its assembly, while Negri Sembilan, another state under Pakatan Harapan’s rule, has yet to make a final decision on the matter. – The Vibes, October 11, 2022