Malaysia Introduces 2-term Limit Bill For Prime Minister

Malaysia has taken a step toward strengthening accountability and curbing executive dominance with the introduction of a bill seeking to cap the prime minister’s tenure at two terms.

The proposal marks a significant shift for Malaysia, where there is currently no limit on how long a head of government can remain in office. Under the existing system, a prime minister may continue in power as long as he or she commands majority support in parliament.

The absence of term limit previously allowed former premier Mahathir Mohamad to serve a combined 24 years in office, first from 1981 to 2003 and later between 2018 and 2020.

In January, current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to pursue a two-term cap amid renewed public pressure for stronger anti-corruption measures and improved governance. His ruling coalition, Pakatan Harapan, had also pledged in its 2022 election manifesto to introduce such a limit.

However, local media reports have highlighted criticism over the slow pace of broader reforms, with some analysts viewing the move as an effort to regain the confidence of urban voters ahead of general election expected next year.

Anwar said last week that the proposed law, if passed, would apply to him first, stressing that a decade in office was sufficient for any leader to fulfil their mandate effectively.

“I won’t be making laws for other people. The law must be applied to me first,” he said.

For the amendment to pass, it must secure the backing of at least two-thirds of lawmakers which is 148 of the 222 seats, in the lower house. At present, there is no constitutional provision limiting a prime minister’s tenure, provided the leader retains majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

AFP