KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he could propose a date for the dissolution of parliament in a Thursday meeting with the country's monarch, though the palace played down the meeting as a regular weekly discussion.
The palace said the two held a "routine" meeting to discuss government matters. Its statement did not mention dissolution. Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's office did not have an immediate comment.
An election is not due until September 2023, but Ismail has been under pressure from some factions of his ruling coalition to hold the vote earlier for a stronger mandate and due to infighting.
If he dissolves parliament soon, the election would come just as the economy starts to feel the pinch of rising costs and a global slowdown. It would also coincide with the year-end monsoon season and floods, which could reduce voter turnout.
Ismail met King Al-Sultan Abdullah at the national palace at 4 p.m. (0800 GMT) and left about 45 minutes later.
Before the meeting, Ismail said he would mainly discuss cabinet matters with the king and that a date for dissolution of parliament would be submitted only if there was time, the Bernama news agency said.
"Still unsure whether it will be brought up. If it takes too long to discuss cabinet issues, it will be about cabinet only," Ismail said.
His government is set to present its 2023 budget in parliament on Friday, the finance ministry has said, putting to rest some speculation that a dissolution could be announced before that.
An election must be held within 60 days of dissolution.
Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy and the king typically acts on the prime minister's advice. But the king does wield certain discretionary powers, including withholding consent for the dissolution of parliament.
MIXED VIEWS IN RULING COALITION
Last week, Ismail's party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the biggest in the ruling coalition, said the premier would seek the king's consent to dissolve parliament this year, spurring speculation that Ismail could call polls any day.
However, Ismail's coalition is not unanimous on the timing of an election.
Many alliance partners have cited economic problems, such as the rising cost of living and the anticipated year-end floods, as reasons not to hold a vote this year.
Malaysia was hit late last year by unusually heavy rain and floods that caused damage of about 6 billion ringgit ($1.3 billion).
Some cabinet ministers wrote to the monarch this week asking him not to hold elections this year due to flood risks, according to domestic media.
Reuters
Fri Oct 07 2022
If PM Ismail Sabri dissolves parliament soon, the election would come just as the economy starts to feel the pinch of rising costs and a global slowdown. - Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.