THE Dewan Rakyat will convene as planned tomorrow to debate Budget 2023, said Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun as speculation rose on the imminent dissolution of parliament to make way for the general election. 

Azhar was reported in Berita Harian today as saying that his office had yet to receive any notification on the dissolution. 

“Yes, the session will convene as usual. I have not been informed otherwise. So far, no such notice but that is the prerogative of the prime minister and the Agong. 

“Tomorrow we will have ministers’ question time, oral questions and the debates on Budget 2023,” he was quoted as saying in the Malay daily. 

It was reported yesterday that Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara with regards to the dissolution of parliament. 

It is speculated that Ismail would be making an announcement within the next 48 hours. 

Last night, the Agong and his wife left for an official visit to London until October 16. 

Speaker Azhar was among those who had gone to send the royal couple off. 

When asked to comment on his presence there, Azhar said there had been no “direct discussions” on any dissolution when he was at the airport. 

He also said it was usual for him to be present to send off the Agong in his capacity as the speaker. – October 10, 2022.