Malaysia set for general elections as premier dissolves parliament

ISTANBUL

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Monday dissolved the parliament, setting the country on the path to early elections.

The general elections to the 222-seat 15th parliament must be held within 60 days from now.

Yaakob announced the dissolution of the parliament in a special address, saying that the change of three prime ministers during the 14th parliament “adversely affected the country’s socio-politico-economic position.”

The outgoing prime minister said Malaysia’ King Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin had given his nod for early elections.

Some of Yaakob’s own and opposition lawmakers opposed the early elections as “the country prepares to face the annual monsoon floods,” the daily Malay Mail reported.

The outgoing government presented next year’s federal budget on Friday.

Malaysia has been in political turmoil since early 2020 after then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad stepped down.

He was succeeded by Muhyiddin Yassin, who resigned in August 2021, paving way for Yaakob to become the ninth prime minister of Malaysia.