Move could curb power concentration, encourage leadership renewal; constitutional and institutional reforms must follow, say analysts
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a 10-year limit for the premiership, a move analysts say could curb the over-concentration of power, but stress that deeper institutional reforms are needed to prevent corruption and stagnation.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the proposal was promised by Anwar when he took office three years ago.
“Ten years is a long time to lead a nation. When someone remains in power for an extended period – especially over two decades – power inevitably becomes concentrated in that individual.”
Azmi added that the limit would encourage leadership renewal and the infusion of fresh ideas.
“Innovation often comes from new leadership. When a leader has been in office for 10 or 15 years, ministers may hesitate to propose ideas that conflict with the prime minister’s views.
“Limiting the term helps prevent excessive concentration of power and ensures fresh perspectives can emerge – from ministers and from the prime minister himself.”
He also pointed out that two-term limits are common in many democratic countries to prevent stagnation and potential abuse of power.
“A chance must be given to new leadership. Even in Malaysia, 10 years is already very, very long for a prime minister,” he added.
Pacific Research Center principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun offered a more guarded perspective, warning that term limits alone cannot fully address Malaysia’s institutional weaknesses.
Only two prime ministers in the country’s history have served more than 10 years and Oh said these long tenures illustrate how power tends to accumulate and over time can lead to corruption and abuse.
“It is bad enough that powers concentrate around a prime minister in this country. Over a long period, such powers tend to corrupt, often absolutely.”
He described the reform as a temporary relief rather than a cure.
“It is not a panacea, but it can at least act as a painkiller, making abuses and corruption appear less unbearable.”
Oh observed that the Bill could become symbolic if other executive powers – such as control over appointments and party machinery – remain unchanged.
“Better than nothing, as other reforms look set to be casually thrown to the roadside or longkang.”
Drawing a cautionary parallel, he added, “Venezuela was once a prosperous country too. Power abuses and corruption made it what it is today.”
Legal expert Srimurugan Alagan highlighted the constitutional implications of the proposal.
“Currently, the Malaysian Constitution contains no provision limiting the prime minister’s tenure.
“Introducing such a clause would require a constitutional amendment with a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The Article should clearly state that a person can serve only two terms, regardless of whether they are reelected or contesting under a different party. The proposed amendment is positive, as it prevents abuse of power and allows other elected leaders the opportunity to serve as prime minister.”
Anwar announced the proposed reform during his 2026 New Year Address at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly.
He said the legislation is part of the government’s effort to strengthen democratic governance and prevent the over-concentration of power in a single leader.
“When a term is given, one can carry out their responsibilities within that period. After that, it is better for us to hand over leadership to the next generation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said clarified that the proposed Bill will only apply to prime ministers.
“Menteris besar and chief ministers will not be affected, meaning the legislation caps the premiership at a maximum of 10 years in office,“ she explained.
