Proposing dissolution of Parliament is PM’s prerogative, says Ismail

“If the prime minister feels it is the right time to dissolve Parliament, he will seek a dissolution. I will consider all ideas and views. But these views do not have any bearing on the (prime minister’s) power to propose (the dissolution of Parliament) to the King.”

(FMT) – The decision to propose the dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for a general election is the prime minister’s prerogative, says Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Speaking to reporters after an event here today, Ismail stressed that other political parties had no say in the matter.

“Before this, it (dissolution) was never discussed openly. In the past, if the prime minister announced Parliament would be dissolved, it would be dissolved.

“There was no such thing as other political parties giving their views or trying to interfere.”

Ismail said the prime minister had the right to seek a dissolution of Parliament and that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had the final say.

Previously, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said Ismail must get the Cabinet’s consent to dissolve Parliament.

The former prime minister said this was based on an agreement between Ismail and the Perikatan Nasional coalition he leads.

Ismail said past prime ministers did not even discuss the dissolution of Parliament with their own parties.

“If the prime minister feels it is the right time to dissolve Parliament, he will seek a dissolution.

“I will consider all ideas and views. But these views do not have any bearing on the (prime minister’s) power to propose (the dissolution of Parliament) to the King.”

Opposition politicians have been speaking out against early elections, citing the monsoon season, economic situation, pandemic, and year-end festivities.

On whether Parliament will be dissolved before or after the tabling of next year’s federal budget on Friday, Ismail said: “Some say it will be dissolved before the budget, or on Monday or next year. But let’s wait.”