KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): Malaysia has unveiled legislation to limit the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years with the cap to be applied to the country’s current chief executive Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The bill, which seeks to amend Article 43 of the Federal Constitution, was tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Feb 23).

Under the proposed amendment, a prime minister must step down upon reaching the 10-year limit and cabinet members will also leave office when the prime minister departs.

The outgoing Cabinet may continue to carry out day-to-day government functions until a new prime minister is appointed, ensuring continuity of administration.

The term limit is a long-standing key reform championed by DAP, currently the largest party in the unity government. The party, which holds 40 parliamentary seats, has pledged to accelerate its reform agenda over the next six months following its heavy defeat in November’s Sabah election.

Anwar was first sworn in as the prime minister in 2022, following the 15th general election, after forming a coalition government with over a dozen parties anchored by Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.

Clause 4(d) clarifies how the 10-year limit will be calculated, specifying that any period a person previously held office before the amendment takes effect will count toward the limit. Periods served as prime minister following a parliamentary dissolution will not be included.

If the amendment is passed, Anwar would be required to step down in 2032 if he retains the premiership in the next general election, which is due by 2028.

The second reading of the proposed amendment is slated for next Tuesday (March 3), with Anwar expected to table it. As a constitutional amendment, it requires a two-thirds majority to pass.

Anwar currently has the backing of 153 lawmakers, including seven independents. The opposition, with 69 MPs, has indicated it is willing to support the bill as long as the prime minister is prohibited from concurrently holding the Finance Ministry portfolio.

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