THE government has confirmed that eight Members of Parliament aligned with the ruling bloc were absent during the vote on a constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years, resulting in the Bill falling short of the required two-thirds majority.
Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the absentees comprised three MPs from Barisan Nasional, one each from Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Parti Bangsa Malaysia, as well as two independent MPs who support the government.
The eight MPs were Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Lawas), Riduan Rubin (Tenom), Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (Sembrong), Datuk Suhaimi Nasir (Libaran), Datuk Seri M Saravanan (Tapah), Datuk Larry Soon (Julau) and Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan (Keningau).
Their absence proved critical. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 secured 146 votes in favour, two short of the 148 required for a two-thirds majority in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat. A further 32 MPs were absent and 44 abstained.
Speaking after officiating the launch of the National Scam Response Centre at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission headquarters, Fahmi said the government had reviewed attendance records with both the Government Backbenchers Club and the Chief Whip’s Office.
“From the PH bloc, 100 per cent were present. All were present and all voted.
“Each of them, when asked why they were not there (in the Dewan Rakyat), gave various reasons,” he said.
He explained that the Libaran MP had been admitted to hospital, while the Tapah MP was attending a religious ceremony.
“I am informed that the Libaran MP was in hospital, while the Tapah MP said he was attending prayers,” he added.
Asked about Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s reaction to the absences, Fahmi said his expression suggested disappointment.
“I saw his facial expression… the Deputy Prime Minister appeared somewhat disappointed that eight MPs were not present (in the Dewan Rakyat),” he said.
The failed amendment sought to introduce a 10-year cap on the tenure of the Prime Minister, a reform long debated as part of broader institutional changes.
The division was announced by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul after 41 MPs from both sides of the aisle participated in the debate.
The narrow defeat underscores the fragility of constitutional reform efforts, where even a small number of absences can determine the outcome of landmark legislation. - March 4, 2026
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