The proposed 10-year limit for a prime minister does not encroach on the constitutional powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, says electoral reform group Bersih.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 to limit the prime minister’s tenure does not affect the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz explained the prime minister’s position is a constitutional office under Article 43(2)(a).
He said that provision outlines the specific procedures for the Agong to appoint a member of the Dewan Rakyat who commands majority confidence.
Faisal noted Article 159(1) allows the Federal Constitution to be amended as a living document.
“Therefore, the amendment to Article 43 cannot be interpreted as affecting the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Conference of Rulers because it is not enshrined in Article 159(5),” he said in a post on X.
He was responding to opposition calls to postpone the bill over claims it encroaches on royal powers.
Faisal stated the amendment aims to prevent prolonged centralisation of executive power.
“This amendment represents a significant step forward in institutional reform and should not be politicised by any party,” he said.
He also cited the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Royal Address at the Opening of Parliament on Jan 19.
“His Majesty expressed support for the proposal to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to 10 years,” Faisal said.
“That statement makes it clear that there is no issue of the amendment conflicting with the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”
The bill was tabled for its first reading last Monday by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
It is expected to be presented for a second reading next week.
The bill proposes amending Article 43 to insert a new Clause (2A).
This stipulates a prime minister shall not hold office for more than 10 years in total, whether continuously or otherwise.
It also proposes new Clauses (4A) to (4D), with Clause (4A) stating a prime minister shall cease to hold office upon reaching the cumulative 10-year limit.
