The buzz fizzles out

PUTRAJAYA: The great expectations of a Parliament dissolution came crumbling down after the Prime Minister had his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, leaving politicians and political observers scrambling for answers.

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s meeting with the King was a closely watched event and expectations were high that he would announce the date of dissolution afterwards.

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However, Istana Negara issued a statement later saying that the meeting was the regular weekly one the Prime Minister has with the King.

It made no reference to the dissolution of Parliament.

“The pre-Cabinet meeting is among weekly activities and an important routine of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to discuss and exchange views with the Prime Minister on government matters and issues,” Istana Negara said.

Sources said it was not known if the issue of dissolution was raised during the meeting.

“The Prime Minister brought up matters concerning the country and on the agenda of the Cabinet meeting tomorrow,” said the source.

Routine activity: Ismail Sabri (inset) waving at the media as he arrives at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star

Political parties are divided with the move to call for GE15 this year.

Twelve Cabinet ministers of Bersatu and PAS had written a letter to the King to state that they disagreed with a general election being held this year.

With no news about dissolution, the Federal Government’s Budget for next year will be tabled today.

There had been talk earlier that the tabling would not take place as the government would announce the dissolution.

“It’s all systems go in so far as Dewan Rakyat is concerned for the Budget to be tabled at 4pm tomorrow,” said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun.

It is learnt that after the Prime Minister’s audience with the King, he had a meeting with Umno’s top leaders.

It is not clear what transpired during the meeting but it is learnt that Ismail Sabri, who is also party vice-president, had briefed the top leadership on what transpired during the one-hour audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Umno has been pushing for the national polls to be held this year.