PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced the dissolution of parliament to make way for the general election.

He said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has given his royal assent for the dissolution of the current parliament term, which was set to end in July.

He said this in a special address broadcast live on television at 3pm.

A general election must be held within 60 days after the dissolution of parliament.

The Election Commission now has to meet to discuss dates for nomination and polling.

“In accordance with Article 40(2)(b) and Article 55(2) of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has act according to his discretion by approving my request, so that the parliament is dissolved today, Monday, October 10, 2022,” said Ismail.

Ismail said he had met the Agong yesterday afternoon to request His Majesty’s assent, shortly before the king left for a week-long visit to the United Kingdom.

Ismail also said he had suggested that every state leader (except for Sabah, Sarawak, Malacca and Johor) dissolve their state legislative assemblies on the same day as the general election, although Pakatan Harapan (PH) and PAS have indicated they will not dissolve their assemblies or call for state elections.

Ismail explained that general and state elections must be held simultaneously to ensure the people are not burdened, as well as to guarantee a smooth election process.

“With this announcement, the mandate will be returned to the people. The people’s mandate is the panacea for the country to have political stability and create a strong, stable and respected government after GE15.

“May the people use their power to elect a government that is able to continue the implementation of Budget 2023, maintain political stability, restore and strengthen the economy, and maintain the harmony and unity of the multireligious, multiracial Keluarga Malaysia,” Ismail said.

There are 222 parliamentary seats to be contested in the general election.

Ismail took over the country’s leadership in August last year after Umno lawmakers withdrew support for Muhyiddin Yassin, who lasted only 17 months in office.

Muhyiddin took over after the collapse of the PH government in February, 2020. – October 10, 2022.