KUCHING, Oct 10: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had no choice but to agree to the Prime Minister’s request for the dissolution of Parliament following “disappointing” political developments.
In a statement issued by the Istana Negara Comptroller Dato Seri Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, the King expressed his disappointment with the current political development, which led to him giving his consent to return the mandate to the people to restore a stable government.
“The King expressed hope that the Election Commission (EC) will conduct the 15th General Election (GE15) in the near future, taking into account the Northeast Monsoon, which is predicted to start in mid-November 2022.
“His Majesty emphasised that a strong country is important to guarantee political stability and continued economic prosperity for the wellbeing of the country and the people as a whole.
“His Majesty invited the people together to pray that the country and the people are always blessed and protected from any form of calamity, especially flood disasters,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Ismail Sabri Yaakob has sought an unscheduled audience with the King around 12pm on Oct 9, seeking the dissolution of the 14th Parliament effective Oct 10.
After reviewing the request, the King, in accordance with his powers as enshrined under Article 40(2)(b) and Article 55(2) of the Federal Constitution, approved the Prime Minister’s request for the dissolution of the 14th Parliament.
Article 40(2)(b) of the Federal Constitution states: “The Yang di-Pertuan Agong may act in his discretion in the performance of the following functions, that is to say — (b) the withholding of consent to a request for the dissolution of Parliament.”
Meanwhile, Article 55(2) states that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may prorogue or dissolve Parliament. — DayakDaily
