Will Malaysia’s parliament be dissolved?

It is actually touted as Ismail Sabri’s weekly briefing for the King before a Cabinet meeting and tabling of Budget 2023.

However, it could turn out to be much more than that.

The prime minister could seek the dissolution of parliament, and there is even talk that it might be immediate, with the budget not being tabled at all.

No wonder then that the audience at Istana Negara will be one of the most closely watched political events since Ismail Sabri took over as prime minister in August last year.

Over the past few days, talk has been rife that the budget will not be tabled, defusing the opposition’s allegations that the budget would be tabled just before dissolution, turning it into Barisan Nasional’s manifesto.

It has happened before.

In 1999, parliament was dissolved immediately after the budget was tabled.

Other sources said the tabling of the budget is on track “for now”.

“As of today, it is still on, as far as we are concerned. But it also depends on the outcome of the prime minister’s meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who will have the final say when it comes to dissolution,” a source said.

Government sources also said preparations to table the budget are going to plan – for now.

But anything could happen in the next day or two.

Notice has been served to ministers to attend the cabinet meeting, which will be held after the audience with the King.

However, there are also reports that some ministers are already emptying out their offices in anticipation of a dissolution.

“We have received the notice for the [cabinet] meeting.

“As to whether it will actually take place is still up in the air, with talk that parliament will be dissolved,” said a minister.

Umno sources, meanwhile, said the prime minister, who is also a party vice president, is very likely to seek a dissolution.

“During our conversations with him [Ismail Sabri], all signs show that he plans to seek consent for dissolution.

“Unless the prime minister is planning to have another audience with the King specifically for that purpose, then I believe today will be the day,” said an Umno supreme council member.

Barisan’s partners in government, however, have not been enthusiastic over the idea of having national polls now.

Perikatan Nasional has voiced its objections to any such move.

The government, it said, must focus on preparations for the monsoon season and on efforts to speed up economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang also wants the revival of the economy and the impending monsoon season to be the priority.

Umno has been the main party pushing for an early general election, with the supreme council insisting that polls be held this year although the parliament term ends only in July next year.

The Star

Asia News Network