Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times Kuala Lumpur bureau analyses the latest issues making the headlines in Malaysia.

This ST video livestream was hosted by Cheow Sue-Ann on Oct 10.

In a statement just issued by the Palace, the King expresses his "disappointment at current political developments", leaving him with no choice but to assent to the Parliament's dissolution. This, so that the mandate can be returned to the people to "elect a stable government".