GE15: The Agong had no choice
SHAH ALAM – Disappointed with the tumultuous political climate, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had no choice but to accede to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s request to dissolve the parliament, effectively enabling the 15th General Election (GE15) to be held soon.
The Agong, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah’s sentiment on the matter was revealed by the Royal Comptroller of Istana Negara, Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin in a statement issued shortly after Ismail Sabri announced the dissolution of parliament at 3PM today.
“His Majesty had aired his disappointment over the current political development and had no choice but to accede to the PM’s request for the mandate [to vote] to be returned to the people so that they can choose a stable government.
“As such, His Majesty, hoped that the Election Commission will conduct GE15 in the nearest time while taking into account of the incoming northeast monsoon which is expected to begin in mid-November,” read the statement.
Umno had, since the past few weeks, incessantly called for GE15 to be held as soon as possible so that the people can legitimately exercise their democratic rights to elect a ruling government.
Ahmad Fadil’s statement also mentioned that Sultan Abdullah had stressed on the importance of having a strong country to ensure political stability and economic prosperity.
It was also disclosed that matters concerning the dissolution of parliament was discussed between Sultan Abdullah and Ismail Sabri at Istana Negara yesterday.
The Agong is currently on a special visit to the United Kingdom, during which he is slated to have an audience with Britain's King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on October 12.
