MAY 30 — Four years ago, in “It takes two to dissolve Parliament”, I wrote that dissolving Parliament so that a general election can be held is not done simply upon request of the Prime Minister to the King.
Article 40(2) of the Federal Constitution allows the King to act in his discretion in (a) the appointment of a prime minister; (b) the withholding of consent to a request for the dissolution of Parliament; (c) the requisition of a meeting of the Conference of Rulers concerned solely with the privileges, position, honours and dignities of Their Royal Highnesses and any action at such a meeting, and in any other case mentioned in the Federal Constitution.
Article 40(2)(b) erroneously uses the words “dissolution of Parliament”. In strict law, it is the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat.
The above provision is repeated in the State Constitutions as mandated by Article 71(4), read together with Section 1(2) of Part I of the Eighth Schedule, of the Federal Constitution.
So, amidst chatters, talks and speculations of snap polls — federal and state — let it not be lost that it takes a request from the Prime Minister/Menteri Besar to the King/Ruler and the King/Ruler to consent, for the Dewan Rakyat/Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assembly) to be dissolved.
In simple words, it takes two to dissolve the legislature. In the dissolution of the legislature, the King and the Ruler hold the respective key.
Have trust in the holder of the key — he who has the people’s best interests at heart.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
