KUCHING: Sarawak is leaving it to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on when to dissolve the Dewan Rakyat.

       Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat was the Prime Minister’s prerogative.

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       "Since the general election is the polls at the parliamentary level, we leave it to the Prime Minister to decide when to hold it," he told reporters at a Gawai open house hosted by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's (PBB) Dayak ministers and deputy ministers here on Wednesday (June 1).

       Ismail Sabri had said the 15th general election, which had been widely speculated to be held this year, could be delayed by rising food prices and the cost of living.

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       Speaking to Nikkei Asia in Tokyo, he said the polls should only be held at the right time when inflation is under control.

       Asked about Sarawak's efforts to tackle inflation, Abang Johari said he had spoken about it in the recently-concluded state legislative assembly session.

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       In his winding-up speech on Thursday (May 26), Abang Johari said the state government would intervene within its power and means to cushion the impact of rising food prices.

       In this respect, he said a discount on electricity tariffs would be introduced for food producers and retailers, including coffee shops and restaurants, to reduce their cost of doing business.

       "I expect this will mitigate the market price of food," he had said.