PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the MADANI government will table a bill in the upcoming parliamentary session to limit the tenure of the Prime Minister to a maximum of 10 years, or two full terms.
Speaking during his 2026 New Year address at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly, Anwar described the proposed legislation as a key measure within the government’s broader institutional reform agenda.
“Everyone has a term limit. The Chief Secretary to the Government cannot serve for 10 years, and the same applies to all positions because if a term is given and, during that period, one is able to deliver, it is then better to hand over to the next generation.
“This also applies to the Prime Minister’s Department. As such, we will table a bill to limit the tenure of the Prime Minister’s post to no more than 10 years or two full terms,” he said.
The bill is scheduled to be presented to the Dewan Rakyat on 19 January.
Anwar explained that the introduction of a fixed term limit would allow for leadership renewal and provide opportunities for the next generation to carry forward the country’s development agenda.
“It also applies to everyone because if the period given is sufficient to implement the agenda and responsibilities entrusted, after that it is best to hand over to the next generation.
Hence, we (the Prime Minister’s Department) will present a bill to limit the tenure of the Prime Minister to no more than 10 years or two terms,” he added.
The Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, indicated that other significant legislative proposals will follow.
These include a bill to separate the powers of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor, as well as a Freedom of Information Bill, which the government hopes to see passed within the year.
Limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure was a key promise of the Pakatan Harapan coalition in its 2018 general election manifesto.
Malaysia has had ten prime ministers since independence, with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad being the longest-serving, holding office for 22 years from 1981 to 2003 before returning for a second stint from 2018 to 2020. - January 5, 2025
