Kuala lumpur: The proposed 10-year term limit for the Prime Minister is part of the institutional reform agenda initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She stated that this proposal is aimed at ensuring the principles of checks and balances and limitations on power within the country's democratic framework.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina highlighted that the initiative is a testament to Anwar's commitment to reform, as he is willing to limit his own tenure. She explained that Anwar, who is the 10th Prime Minister, has already served three years and would only be able to continue for another seven years if the term limit is set at 10 years and he remains in office following an election this year.

To advance this reform agenda, Azalina emphasized the need for all Members of Parliament to support the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026. This bill, which seeks to limit the Prime Minister's tenure to 10 years, is slated to be tabled again in the Dewan Rakyat this June. She expressed disappointment over the previous failure to secure the necessary two-thirds majority, attributing it partly to the absence of several MPs during the vote.

Azalina criticized the absent MPs, including two from Barisan Nasional and one from Pakatan Harapan, for not fulfilling their parliamentary duties. She urged voters to hold these MPs accountable for their absence, which was explained away by various excuses such as illness or hospitalization. She stressed that MPs have a responsibility to attend and vote in parliamentary sessions, regardless of their stance on a bill, to ensure their positions are officially recorded.

The importance of this amendment, Azalina argued, lies in preventing the excessive centralization of political power. She insisted that no one should hold the position of Prime Minister indefinitely, as this could be detrimental to the country's political landscape. Last March, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat, with 146 MPs voting in favor, 32 absent, and 44 abstaining. At least 148 votes were needed for the amendment to pass.