Malaysia’s PM Anwar says 10-year term limits boost accountability, not weaken Agong’s prerogative
PETALING JAYA: The Federal Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, which proposes a ten-year limit on the tenure of the Prime Minister, does not affect the prerogative powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Presenting the bill for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar clarified that the amendment does not alter the fundamentals of parliamentary democracy or diminish the Dewan Rakyat’s role in determining confidence in the government.
“Within the Federal Constitution, the appointment of the Prime Minister depends on the confidence of the majority in the House.
“While the Constitution does not currently specify term limits, the office holds immense responsibility in national administration,” he said.
Anwar stressed that the amendment is aimed at strengthening institutions, ensuring orderly leadership transitions, and reinforcing accountability, rather than targeting any individual.
“These term limits are not intended to weaken the executive but to bolster legitimacy, public trust, and the stability of our democratic system.
“It is an investment for future generations to ensure leadership remains anchored in the people’s mandate and accountability,” he said.
He added that in democratic systems, the strength of a nation is measured by the resilience of its institutions, not by how long a leader holds office.
Term limits ensure that power is disciplined under the Constitution and governance continues beyond individual officeholders.
Highlighting international examples, he pointed to post-apartheid South Africa under Nelson Mandela, where presidential term limits reinforced democratic principles.
The bill contains eight clauses, including a new clause 2A in Article 43, which limits the Prime Minister to a maximum of ten years in aggregate, whether consecutively or otherwise.
Clauses 4A to 4D provide for the continuity of government administration, allowing outgoing Prime Ministers and Cabinet members to continue performing essential functions until successors are appointed, while clarifying that any service during parliamentary dissolution does not count toward the limit.
Anwar said the move reflects Malaysia’s commitment to strong institutions and the Malaysia Madani framework, which promotes sustainability, well-being, creativity, respect, and public confidence, all underpinned by integrity and institutional strength.
He urged lawmakers from both political blocs to support the bill, framing it as a legacy-building measure that ensures orderly leadership, strengthens constitutional governance, and maintains accountability.
“This amendment is part of our continuous effort to uphold the rule of law and ensure Malaysia’s democracy remains robust, principled, and forward-looking,” he added.
