PM to have audience with Agong, remains mum on agenda

PM to have audience with Agong, remains mum on agenda





PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced that he will have an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on Thursday (Oct 6).

However, he has refused to confirm whether he would present a date for the dissolution of the parliament.

“Some people say (parliament dissolution will be done) before the (tabling of 2023) Budget, some say after budget on Monday. Others say this month or November and even next year,” he was quoted as saying by NST.

The Bera MP, who was at the Idea Bina Negara (IBN) Anak Muda Keluarga Malaysia programme at Dewan Agong Tuanku Canselor, Universiti Teknologi Mara, stressed that no political parties could influence the prime minister in dissolving the parliament to pave the way for a general election.

While anyone could provide suggestions and views on the matter, it would still be the prerogative of the Prime Minister, he added.

“The date for the parliament dissolution has never been discussed openly in public, either within the party or with others,” Ismail Sabri acknowledged.

“Only the PM has the power to suggest for the parliament to be dissolved, but the decision lies with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”

According to Ismail Sabri, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with the Opposition would remain valid until the dissolution of the parliament.

He pointed out that while the Opposition is welcome to provide their views on the dissolution of parliament, it could not influence the Prime Minister’s decision.

“Of course, we listen to views of others, but the decision to suggest for it is still the prerogative of the prime minister,” he noted.

The 14th parliament first sat on July 16, 2018 and will be automatically dissolved in June next year, with the general election (GE15) to be held before Sept 14. – Oct 4, 2022