However, the acidic relationship between the city council and the Malaysian federal government would soon lead to the former's dissolution. In 1965, as the Indonesian Confrontation raged on, the federal government suspended municipal elections throughout the country. Allegations of maladministration and misconduct soon surfaced from within the George Town City Council. This led to the formation, by the federal government, of a Royal Commission of Enquiry, led by a Senator, Athi Nahappan. While the Royal Commission was underway, the George Town City Council was concurrently suspended and its functions were transferred temporarily to the then Chief Minister of Penang, Wong Pow Nee.