No Clarity On Malaysia's GE15 After PM's Royal Audience, Budget 2023 Inbound

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri's audience with the nation's King did not bring any clarity on the timing of the next general election, despite expectations that the two could discuss an early dissolution of parliament.

• The Royal Palace's Comptroller told the press that Thursday's audience was just a regular pre-Cabinet briefing, which was echoed by a "well-placed source from the Prime Minister's team," who spoke with Malay Mail. The source was quoted as saying that "parliament dissolution was not discussed."
• Separately, Malaysiakini ran a source report noting that the monarch is concerned about the upcoming monsoon season and the consequences of holding an election during that time. Similar concerns have been voiced by the opposition and some Cabinet members.
• After the royal audience, Ismail Sabri joined the other leaders of the ruling United Malays National Organisation party for talks on the manifesto. This was confirmed by UMNO Vice President Khaled, although Secretary General Ahmad later claimed it was just a regular meeting.
• Finance Minister Zafrul Aziz is preparing to table Budget 2023 in parliament today at 16:00 MYT/09:00 BST. All eyes are on whether the Prime Minister will seek the dissolution of parliament after that, effectively turning the spending plan into UMNO's manifesto.