Capping PM's Term Viewed As Progressive Step Towards Balanced Governance

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- The proposal to cap the Prime Minister’s tenure at a maximum of ten years or two full terms is viewed as a progressive institutional reform to enhance transparency, accountability and integrity in national administration.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the move reflects the public’s aspiration for a more balanced system of governance, one that is free from abuses of power and firmly rooted in robust checks and balances.

“I hope this institutional reform will be translated into clear action and legislative amendment for the sake of our nation’s future and the generations to come,” he said in a statement today.

Chow also welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that a related Bill will be tabled in Parliament this year, in line with efforts to strengthen democratic practices and promote more transparent governance.

He added that the initiative forms part of a wider programme of institutional reforms designed to reinforce democratic norms and ensure governance that is both transparent and grounded in integrity.

He noted that this reform aligns with Penang’s own initiative, as it was the first state to limit its Chief Minister’s tenure to two terms following amendments to the State Constitution approved on Nov 16, 2018.

Meanwhile, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said that if a Prime Minister is performing well and brings benefit to the people and the nation, there should be no issue with a longer tenure.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the tabling of the term-limit Bill during his address at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly and the 2026 New Year Address in Putrajaya this morning.

The proposed Bill is one of four new laws to be tabled as part of Parliament's agenda for the year. 

-- BERNAMA