[UPDATED] Perak won’t dissolve assembly today, sultan to announce decision on matter soon: MB

KUALA LUMPUR – The Perak assembly will not be dissolved today, as Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah is expected to announce his decision on the matter later.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said this following an audience with the state ruler at Istana Iskandariah, in Ipoh, Perak today.

“I met the state ruler and informed him of the Parliament dissolution on Monday, after getting the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“I also informed him that (caretaker) prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has called all the states to take necessary steps to dissolve their state assemblies to hold elections simultaneously.

“I presented the letter requesting for the dissolution of the state legislative assembly to the sultan and he acknowledged it. Any decision pertaining to the matter will be announced by him soon,” The Malay Mail quoted the menteri besar as saying during a press conference at the state secretariat building in Ipoh.

When quizzed by reporters on the development, Saarani explained that it was the ruler’s prerogative to decide on the menteri besar’s request to dissolve the assembly.

While the state government will function as usual in the meantime, Saarani added that he will seek another audience with the sultan once the matter has been decided upon.

Yesterday, Selangor’s Pakatan Harapan-led government had said it had received consent from Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah not to dissolve its assembly in line with the dissolution of Parliament on Monday.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the move would allow the state government to focus efforts on more pressing issues, including the coming monsoon season and possible floods.

On Monday, caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had announced the dissolution of Parliament effective the same day, nine months ahead of the end of its full term.

The decision means a snap general election will now be held within 60 days of the dissolution, and the Election Commission will meet to set the date. – The Vibes, October 12, 2022