King is guided by Federal Constitution on issue of Parliament dissolution

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is confident that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be guided by the Federal Constitution when it comes to the dissolution of Parliament, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"We believe that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will act according to what is stated in the Federal Constitution.

"We are confident that His Majesty will decide on what is best for the people and the country," he said after a closed-door meeting with heads of Umno divisions and three wings at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL) here on Tuesday (Oct 4).

He was asked if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong could reject the Cabinet's request to dissolve Parliament.

On whether Umno had given Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob a deadline to seek an audience with the King, Ahmad Zahid said the party has no authority on this.

"It is his decision and prerogative when he wants to meet the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," he said.

He then said that "we respect this but if possible, we wanted the meeting to take place yesterday."

Ismail Sabri is one of Umno's three vice presidents.

The Prime Minister is expected to have his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Thursday as part of his weekly pre-Cabinet meeting routine.

He is expected to inform the King on matters pertaining to Budget 2023, which will be tabled on Friday (Oct 7).

The Prime Minister could also use this meeting as an opportunity to request to the King for Parliament to be dissolved.

The current Parliament term ends in July 2023.