State DAP and PKR leaders call for constitutional amendment to cap Sarawak Premier’s tenure at two terms
KUCHING: Opposition leaders in Sarawak have called on the state government to follow the federal administration’s lead by imposing a two-term limit on the Premier’s position, mirroring proposed reforms at the national level.
Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chien Jen and Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) information chief Senator Abun Sui Anyit issued separate public statements urging state leaders to adopt similar constitutional changes.
Chong, who also serves as Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chairman, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s initiative to cap the prime ministerial term at two terms—or 10 years—is designed to prevent the concentration of unlimited power in the hands of a single leader.
“The move by the PM and Pakatan Harapan is meant to curb unlimited tenure and excessive power of the sitting prime minister,” Chong stated.
He pledged that Sarawak DAP Members of Parliament would support the constitutional amendments in the Dewan Rakyat, describing the reform as evidence of Pakatan Harapan’s commitment to good governance.
“It will be the first time involving Westminster system of governance in the world,” Chong noted, adding that the reform sets a historic precedent.
The DAP leader expressed hope that Sarawak would implement similar measures by amending the State Constitution to limit the Premier’s tenure.
“As Sarawakians, we hope to see such a move implemented in Sarawak too. State leaders can limit the term of Premier by amending the State Constitution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Abun Sui Anyit echoed these sentiments, urging Sarawak and all Malaysian states to follow Anwar’s example.
He emphasised that capping the tenure of top leadership positions is essential for ensuring clean, responsible and accountable governance at both national and state levels.
“Sarawak, and all other states, should be brave enough to follow suit by amending their respective State Constitutions,” Abun said.
The calls come as federal leaders move forward with constitutional reforms that would make Malaysia the first Westminster-style democracy to impose such limitations on its chief executive.
The position of Sarawak Premier, formerly known as Chief Minister, was renamed following constitutional amendments that granted the state greater autonomy.
