By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 23: Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says the decision to dissolve Parliament is up to Prime Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and does not require the consensus of all political parties in the government, including Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Abdul Karim stated this today at the Siol Mountain Bike Challenge (SMBC) 2022 press conference held at the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) lobby here.
He made clear that he disagreed with the statement made on Monday (Aug 22) by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man that all parties that comprise the government with Barisan Nasional (BN), including coalitions Perikatan Nasional (PN) and GPS, must be involved in the decision to dissolve Parliament.
“I believe it is up to the Prime Minister to dissolve Parliament, or if there is a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister until he has to dissolve Parliament.
“It is up to him (Prime Minister), either on his own free will or in the event that the government collapses, a general election must be held,” he said.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Asajaya assemblyman, noted that the dissolution of Parliament does not have to refer to any political parties in the government, including GPS.
“Therefore, in my opinion, the PAS deputy president’s statement is wrong,” he remarked. — DayakDaily
