Dissolution of Parliament on the agenda for PM's royal audience

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today said he would, if possible, submit a proposed date for the dissolution of Parliament to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He added that today's audience with Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah would focus on Cabinet matters, with other issues to be discussed only if time permits. 

"Not really sure if we will discuss it or not," he was reported as saying by Bernama after checking on the final preparations for the budget at the finance ministry in Putrajaya. 

"If the discussion on Cabinet matters takes too much time or runs until the maghrib prayers, there will be no time to discuss other agendas."

He added that the meeting was expected to continue for longer than usual today as he would have to explain many issues to the king. 

Reuters earlier reported that Ismail would meet with the Agong at 4pm for his weekly audience, citing a spokesman for the prime minister. 

"It's just a normal, routine meeting that the PM has with the king before the Cabinet meeting," the spokesman was quoted as saying.

On the protest by Perikatan Nasional ministers against the dissolution of Parliament and the holding of polls this year, Ismail said they had the right to their opinion, but that the king had absolute power to decide on the matter. 

He said under Article 40(2)(b) of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may act according to his discretion in the withholding of consent to a request for the dissolution of Parliament.

"So everyone has the right to give his or her opinion, including the prime minister, but it is the king who has the final say," he added.