Kuala lumpur: The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, which seeks to limit the Prime Minister's tenure to 10 years, does not affect the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as clarified by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz. He emphasized that the position of Prime Minister is a constitutional office under Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution, which defines the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in appointing a Prime Minister.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Faisal highlighted that the Federal Constitution allows for amendments as outlined in Article 159(1), showcasing its evolving nature. However, Article 159(5) lists specific provisions that cannot be amended, including matters related to Islam, special rights, the national language, and citizenship. This indicates that the amendment to Article 43 does not interfere with the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Conference of Rulers.
Faisal was addressing concerns from the opposition regarding potential encroachment on the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. He clarified that the amendment's purpose is to prevent prolonged centralization of executive power with a Prime Minister and not to reduce the monarch's authority. He further described the amendment as a crucial move towards institutional reform, urging it not to be politicized.
He also referenced the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Royal Address at the Opening of Parliament on Jan 19, where His Majesty showed support for limiting the Prime Minister's tenure to 10 years. This support underscores the non-conflictual nature of the amendment concerning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's powers.
The bill, tabled for its first reading last Monday by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), is set for its second reading next week. It proposes amending Article 43 to include a new Clause (2A), limiting a Prime Minister's total term to 10 years. Additional Clauses (4A) to (4D) stipulate that a Prime Minister must step down upon reaching the cumulative term limit.