Cabinet, not PM, decides on dissolution of Parliament, claims Tajuddin

 

The Pasir Salak MP says only the Cabinet can dissolve Parliament.

PETALING JAYA: Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman says it is up to the Cabinet to decide when Parliament can be dissolved.

“Only the Cabinet can dissolve Parliament, not the prime minister,” he said at an event here today.

“If the Cabinet cannot decide for whatever reason – maybe they think it’s good for the country, good to focus on the people’s welfare – what can we do? That’s the Cabinet’s (decision).”

The country’s ambassador to Indonesia was commenting on claims that there are factions in Umno pushing for an early general election and those who are against it.

Tajuddin said that ultimately, it was the party’s decision that had to be followed.

“The prime minister is a party man and has said he will follow what the party decides. But a party’s decision is one thing, a government’s (decision) is another.”

“Sometimes, there is a clash between his role as the head of government and as a party leader.

“How is he going to tackle that? So he has to think about what is best.”

The next general election (GE15) must be held the latest by mid-September 2023, that is, within 60 days after the current Parliament’s term automatically dissolves on July 16 next year.

Only the prime minister can advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for fresh elections.

Ismail is one of the three Umno vice-presidents and is also the party’s prime minister candidate for GE15.

- FMT