KUALA KANGSAR: Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has consented to the dissolution of the Perak state assembly today.
The official ceremony to dissolve the 13th state assembly was held at Dewan Istiadat Kecil in Istana Iskandariah here.
The Sultan in his speech said Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir has sought his consent to dissolve the state assembly.
"After considering the application, pursuant to Article XXXVI (2), First Part, the Legal Body of the Kingdom of Perak Darul Ridzuan, I grant the application to dissolve the 13th state assembly today.
"I would like to express my appreciation to Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir who has helmed the state government since May 7, 2013; members of the state Executive Council as well as all members of the 13th state assembly who have fulfilled their respective duties and responsibilities," the Sultan said.
Also present were Raja Muda Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja DiHilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah, Raja Bergelar, Zambry, and state committee chairmen.
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced that Parliament would be dissolved on Saturday, to pave the way for the 14th General Election (GE14).
In his speech, Sultan Nazrin also reminded the people to portray their political wisdom by practicing a mature democratic culture.
"Political parties especially the leaders should be responsible at all times and should prioritise the safety aspects, public order and unity.
"In an effort to gain support, sensitive issues such as religion, race, culture and language should not be sensationalised until it can potentially provoke sentiments and hatred that can jeopardise our harmonious relationship and unity.
"The country's safety and public order are too valuable to be sacrificed for short-term political goals," Sultan Nazrin said.
Sultan Nazrin added that security officers should not be burdened with the creation of controversial situations which could bring harm to public order.
"Law enforcement officers should take stern and prompt action against anything that can create chaos to the public order.
"The integrity of law enforcement bodies should be protected by showing fair enforcement practices in law - fair, impartial and non-partisan attitude towards any group, and adhere to the principle of loyalty to the Ruler and the country," the Sultan said.
"In order to ensure the smooth election process, the Election Commission (EC) must carry out their duties in a professional, and transparent manner, and with integrity.
"As such, all quarters should cooperate to enable the EC to carry out its responsibilities," Sultan Nazrin added. -- Reporting by Jalal Ali Abdul Rahim, Shamsul Kamal Amarudin and Zahratulhayat Mat Arif