THE Cabinet will meet tomorrow to determine the policy direction on a proposal to limit the tenure of the prime minister, a step officials say is part of the government’s broader institutional reforms.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Law and Institutional Reform, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, told reporters that the Cabinet’s decision would subsequently be presented to all members of parliament for further deliberation.
“Insha-Allah, tomorrow there will be a Cabinet meeting to determine the policy direction. Input and comments from today’s session will serve as important reminders,” she said.
“I will present the policy decision if approved by the Cabinet. Following that, I will present the constitutional amendment format to all MPs according to their blocs — government, independent, and opposition — for a comprehensive discussion.”
The initiative follows an earlier announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that the government intends to table a bill restricting the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years, equivalent to two full terms.
The Prime Minister indicated that the bill forms part of the Madani government’s institutional reforms planned for the current parliamentary session.
Azalina stressed that the proposal is intended to strengthen governance rather than target any individual.
“It is not about limiting someone. It is about preventing the abuse of power. It is about someone who considers themselves ‘untouchable’ and able to remain in power indefinitely. That is the message,” she said.
She added that any amendment to impose a term limit would require the support of at least two-thirds of MPs. “To pass a constitutional amendment, we need two-thirds support, not a simple majority.
“The support of every MP would reflect a shared commitment to transparency and accountability,” she said.
Azalina further emphasised the rationale behind the move, noting Malaysia’s large population of over 34 million and the country’s wealth of capable leaders.
“I can say that no one is irreplaceable. In Malaysia, with 34 million people, there are many capable individuals. If someone is a great leader, they should leave a plan for their successor,” she said.
She underscored that leaders who step down can continue contributing to the nation in other capacities.
“It is not because the individual is inadequate or that the office is bad, but we want to prevent harm. We want to ensure the next person can step forward to lead. I hope everyone understands this is not about distrusting anyone, but about recognising that the position carries immense power,” she said.
Azalina made her remarks following a public town hall session on limiting the prime minister’s term, reinforcing the government’s commitment to open discussion on curbing the concentration of executive authority. - January 29, 2026
