At this moment when the Prime Minister is expected to announce the imminent dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for the next general election, it is perhaps relevant and urgent that the critical issue of the power to dissolve Parliament be reviewed.

It seems to be a popular belief that the Prime Minister has absolute power to decide when Parliament is to be dissolved. Is there a constitutional basis for this belief?

The answer is no; for there is a clear-cut provision in the constitution whereby the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is given the power to withhold consent to a request for dissolution of Parliament. The fact that the Agong has always acceded to the Prime Minister’s request to dissolve Parliament in the past does not detract from this constitutional principle.

Granted that in the normal course of events the Agong is generally bound to act in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister or the cabinet.