Malaysia tables constitutional amendment to limit PM’s tenure to 10 years

THE government has tabled a proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill 2026 to limit the tenure of the Prime Minister to a maximum of 10 years, a move  Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said would reinforce democratic institutions without altering the foundations of parliamentary democracy or affecting the prerogative powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Presenting the Bill for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar stressed that the amendment, drafted in accordance with the framework of the Federal Constitution, does not diminish the authority of the Dewan Rakyat to determine confidence in the government.

Instead, he argued, the proposal strengthens the constitutional structure by introducing a clear provision designed to enhance the country’s system of checks and balances.

“In the annals of democracy, the maturity of a nation has never been measured by how long an individual holds the reins of power. It is measured by the strength of its institutions that guarantee continuity of policy and administration beyond any one individual,” Anwar told Parliament.

“Thus, limiting the term of office is not a denial of leadership opportunity, but rather an effort to ensure that this country continues to be guided by strong, functioning institutions and not be bound to any one person alone,” he added.

The proposed amendment marks a significant institutional reform initiative, aimed at embedding leadership rotation within Malaysia’s constitutional framework while preserving parliamentary supremacy and the constitutional role of the monarch. - March 2, 2026