Kuala lumpur:<Text>
A Bill to cap the prime minister’s tenure at a maximum of 10 years or two full terms will be tabled in Parliament this year. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that this proposed legislation is among four new laws set to be introduced as part of Parliament’s agenda for the year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of term limits in his 2026 New Year Message at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly. He noted that the Chief Secretary to the Government, like all officials, has a term limit, and the same principle should apply to the Prime Minister’s Department. Anwar believes that if someone is given sufficient time to deliver, it is better to hand over responsibilities to the next generation.
In March last year, Anwar initiated a comprehensive study of the proposal to limit the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years while chairing a Cabinet meeting. He acknowledged that the proposal involves
a complex process requiring careful consideration, as it would necessitate amendments to the Federal Constitution.
Anwar also announced that three other Bills will be presented this year. These include the separation of the roles of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, the establishment of an Ombudsman, and a Freedom of Information (FOI) law. The Bill to separate the roles of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor will be the first to be tabled when Parliament convenes on January 19.
The proposed Ombudsman Bill aims to grant broader powers to strengthen integrity and transparency in the public sector, providing the public with a formal channel to address issues related to public accountability. Additionally, the Freedom of Information Bill will introduce safeguards for matters involving national security and intelligence. However, Anwar noted that on issues such as project tenders and preventing abuse of power, the FOI Bill will be tabled and passed within the ye
ar.
Previously, it was reported that Malaysia’s Ombudsman would be established with an expanded mandate to enhance integrity and transparency in the public sector, a decision agreed upon at the 2025 Cabinet Special Committee on National Governance meeting, chaired by Anwar on December 8.
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