KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 — The proposed constitutional amendment to limit the tenure of the prime minister to 10 years does not affect the prerogative powers of the King, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the amendment also does not alter the fundamentals of parliamentary democracy and does not diminish the role of the Dewan Rakyat in determining confidence in the government.
“Within the framework of the Federal Constitution, the appointment of the prime minister depends on the confidence of the majority in the Dewan Rakyat. However, the constitution does not set a term limit for this position, even though it holds a very significant role in the administration of the country,” he said.
He said this when presenting the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Therefore, Anwar said the amendment is meant to complement the existing constitutional framework with an additional institutional check-and-balance mechanism, rather than a personal one.
Anwar said the presentation of the bill is part of efforts by the Madani Government to strengthen institutions and uphold good governance, and that it reflects a commitment promised to the people and implemented through constitutional and parliamentary processes.
Anwar added that the proposal to limit the tenure of the prime minister is not a new concept and has long been part of the discourse on institutional reform in the country, reflecting an awareness that a mature democracy requires principled renewal.
He said the government is taking steps to translate this discourse into a clear pledge to implement reforms consistently, responsibly and constitutionally, after examining international best practices and the need for stability and public confidence.
“From a constitutional framework perspective, limiting tenure is a governance mechanism recognised in modern democracies. This mechanism helps ensure leadership transitions occur in an orderly, structured and lawful manner,” he said.
Anwar said the limitation on the tenure of the prime minister is not intended to weaken the executive institution but to strengthen legitimacy, public trust, and the stability of the country’s democratic system in the long term.
He said the amendment is an investment for future generations to ensure national leadership is always based on the mandate of the people and the principle of accountability.
In addition, Anwar said setting a term limit can be seen as an effort to prevent wrongdoing by reducing the risk of prolonged concentration of power and the potential for corruption or abuse of trust.
He added that this approach aligns with religious principles, which require leadership to always be upheld within the framework of trust, justice and accountability, so that the power granted does not exceed the limits set out by shariah.
In formulating the proposed amendment, the prime minister said the government conducted engagement sessions with various parties, including government agencies, community representatives, and experts in governance and constitutional law.
He said this was aimed at ensuring the views of all segments of society were taken into account comprehensively, while the government also considered public support for efforts to strengthen leadership accountability.
“This is our effort to ensure that the country continues to be guided by the constitution, respected by the people and trusted by future generations,” Anwar said, urging all MPs, regardless of political affiliation, to support the bill.
