Malaysia’s Parliament dissolved yesterday, which means the country needs to elect a new government within just a few weeks. But what happens after the Parliament is dissolved? Does the civil service continue to function as usual?
Here’s what you need to know about what happens after the dissolution of parliament.
1) EC to announce election date
The Election Commission (EC) will soon announce a nomination and polling date within 60 days, before mid-December 2022. The campaign period will be the duration between the nomination and polling date. Political parties will need to prepare their respective candidates for nomination.
2) Current government becomes ‘caretaker government’
A caretaker government is appointed as the government of Malaysia when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong dissolves the parliament prior to a general election. This continues for a period after the election until the next cabinet is appointed.
Unfortunately, there is no provision for the caretaker or ‘temporary’ government in the Malaysian Constitution. The current government will be the caretaker government unless Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob chooses to resign.
3) Civil service goes on
The civil service such as the police force, military, and government administration will continue to function as usual.
4) No new legislation or policies
Since the Parliament has been dissolved, ministers will not be able to pass new legislation or sign new policies. All Bills will be put on hold until the new government is elected. There will be no sitting of both the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament.
5) Budget 2023 may be retabled
Although the national budget was tabled recently, the new government is not bound by a Budget created by the previous government. The entire process from the first reading will be repeated once again.
6) No new contracts or grants
Since all processes need to go through Parliament, there will be no handing over of new contracts or government projects. Projects that have been approved before the dissolution of Parliament will continue to be carried out. Government grants for businesses and other relevant bodies may continue to be handed out if they were approved before the dissolution of parliament.
7) Government may defer international negotiations
The caretaker government should seek to defer international negotiations until the new government is elected.
8) Caretaker PM may continue to officiate events
Events such as the launching of business projects that need officiation by the Prime Minister may take place as long as they were approved before the dissolution took place.
So, are you surprised by the dissolution of Parliament or did you see this coming all along? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with your friends!
