KUALA LUMPUR: Cabinet members were not informed by caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob of his decision to dissolve Parliament today.
Caretaker Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu expressed disappointment over the announcement, but he accepted that Ismail Sabri had the prerogative to do so.
"We have to accept the process. He (Ismail Sabri) got consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament. So now we have to prepare for the election.
"Personally, as a cabinet minister, I am a little disappointed because we were not informed at all about the dissolution. I found out about it with the rest of the country through the announcement just now.
"I thought that at the very least, due to Perikatan Nasional's ministers' stance that we don't agree with holding an election this year, the prime minister would have told us about it.
"But even if he did tell us, we wouldn't have been able to do much. It would have happened anyway, but at least we would have known what to expect," Faizal, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy president, told the New Straits Times.
He called on the Election Commission to work with the Meteorological Department to find a suitable date for the 15th General Election (GE15) to avoid coinciding with the massive floods that are expected next month.
He urged the government machinery to start preparing to help people who would be affected by the floods.
"I hope the police, all agencies and government facilities are ready because we must show the world that the democratic process in Malaysia can go smoothly."
On Bersatu's and Perikatan Nasional's preparations for GE15, Faizal said the pact hoped to launch its manifesto soon as it would help the machinery prepare.
"Usually, the manifesto is launched during the campaign period. But this time, we are hoping for it to happen earlier so that our machinery will understand what we are promising.
"We promise to ensure the stability of the country by making the people our main priority, as well as their wellbeing, struggles and easing their burdens.
"I hope all political parties will enter the battlefield with dignity and poise instead of causing more divisions in the country."
Meanwhile, Bersatu's Alor Gajah member of parliament Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof said he was glad Parliament had been dissolved.
He said today's announcement would put to rest the guessing game on when GE15 would be held.
"I think it is good that Parliament is dissolved because it is the right thing to do. It won't be a puzzle now.
"Although there will be floods, I am sure the prime minister is well-informed about all possible risks."