Selangor assembly to dissolve on Friday

KLANG: The Selangor legislative assembly will be dissolved on Friday, just two days before completing its full term.

The proclamation of the dissolution was signed by Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah at about 10am yesterday, after he granted an audience to Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who sought the Sultan’s consent for the dissolution.

The event was also attended by Raja Muda Tengku Amir Shah, members of the Selangor Royal Council, the Selangor Speaker and state officials.

Now that Sultan Sharafuddin has signed the proclamation, Speaker Ng Suee Lim will inform the Election Commission about the dissolution when it comes into effect on Friday.

State polls must be held within 60 days from the date of dissolution, which means by Aug 23.

The Selangor executive council and Amirudin will assume the role of caretaker government until the polls are over and a new team is sworn in.

Other states facing polls are Penang, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu.

In his royal address after signing the proclamation, Sultan Sharafuddin advised candidates in the upcoming state election and their supporters to be responsible and adhere to the relevant rules and regulations.

“I want to emphasise that candidates and their supporters must not play up racial or other sensitive issues that can damage the harmony and unity amongst the people.

“Do not criticise, slander or complain against opponents while campaigning,” he said.

Sultan Sharafudfin added that he was making the proclamation earlier because he and Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin were leaving for their haj.

The Sultan also informed the Selangor Royal Council members that he would be receiving medical treatment and surgery overseas, and would only be back home on Aug 15.

“I will be going to London for treatment and undergo the holium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) surgery,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.

He added that if his health allowed it, he would be back home earlier than the scheduled date of Aug 15.

He said he hoped the Royal Council members would pray for his health and well-being.

HoLEP is a minimally invasive procedure using laser to remove benign blockage obstructing the urine flow in the prostate.