Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolves Parliament, paving way for general elections to be held in early November

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Parliament will be dissolved on Monday, paving the way for general elections that are expected to be held in early November. The elections come nine months before Parliament’s term expires, following calls for early polls from Prime Minister Ismail’s party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).

UMNO, the biggest party in the ruling coalition, was feuding with its allies and is aiming for a big win on its own. In a televised announcement, Prime Minister Ismail said he met Sunday with King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who consented to the dissolution. The Malaysian Prime Minister said he decided to call early polls to counter criticism over the legitimacy of his government – the third since 2018 polls. He said, with this announcement, the mandate will be returned to the people. Mr. Ismail asserted, People’s mandate is a powerful antidote to create a firm and stable government.

The Election Commission of Malaysia is expected to meet within the week to announce a date for the vote, which must be held within 60 days from Parliament’s dissolution. In a statement issued by the palace, Sultan Abdullah expressed hope that the election will be held swiftly as the year-end monsoon season that starts mid-November often brings devastating floods. The monarch, who left late Sunday for a visit to London, said he had no choice but to approve Ismail’s request so people could vote for a stable government.