The government is proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to two terms, a move aimed at preventing power concentration and abuse.
PUTRAJAYA: The government’s push to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to two terms is based on the principle that “nobody is indispensable”, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
She said the move aims to prevent power from being concentrated in one individual for too long in a nation of over 34 million capable people.
“If someone is a great leader, they should leave behind a succession plan,” she said at a town hall session on the proposed bill.
Azalina stressed the bill is intended to strengthen governance and prevent abuse, not to restrict any individual.
“It’s about not allowing someone to abuse power, about preventing the mindset of being ‘untouchable’ and can carry on ruling forever and ever,” she said.
She added that former leaders can continue contributing as senior ministers or advisers, as leadership should be collective.
Azalina confirmed the change requires a constitutional amendment, which she hopes to table in the current Parliament session.
Key details, including whether the limit is two terms or ten years, must first be agreed upon by lawmakers.
The cabinet will discuss the bill’s specifics, including if it applies retrospectively and covers non-consecutive terms.
“I will present the policy decision. If approved by the Cabinet and formulated as a constitutional amendment, I will table it to all Members of Parliament by bloc,” she said.
