The prime minister arrived at around 3.50pm, waving to members of the media, some of whom have been gathered there since morning.

He is expected to brief the King on Budget 2023 and the agenda of tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting. However, speculation is rife that he might advise the King to dissolve Parliament, paving the way for the 15th general election (GE15).

Ismail reportedly said he will present the proposed date for the dissolution of Parliament during his audience with the King today, “if possible”. While the focus of the discussion involved Cabinet matters, he said other issues may be raised if time permits.

Ismail left the palace grounds at around 4.45pm.

Earlier today, education minister Radzi Jidin confirmed that the 12 ministers in Ismail’s Cabinet from Perikatan Nasional had signed a letter to the King to state their opposition towards holding GE15 this year.

Opposition lawmakers have also opposed holding GE15 this year, citing the possibility of floods during the northeast monsoon season, expected from mid-November to March 2023.

Earlier, Sultan Abdullah attended a briefing on the nation’s disaster and flood preparedness at the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN).