KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said the proposed constitutional amendment to cap the prime minister’s tenure at 10 years will not affect the prerogative powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or alter the fundamentals of parliamentary democracy.
Tabling the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said the appointment of a prime minister will continue to depend on the confidence of the majority in the House, as provided under the Federal Constitution.
“The Constitution does not set a term limit for this position, even though it holds a very significant role in the administration of the country,” he said, adding that the amendment seeks to complement the existing framework with an institutional check and balance, not a personal restriction.
Anwar said the bill forms part of the Madani government’s broader institutional reform agenda and fulfils its pledge to strengthen governance through constitutional and parliamentary processes.
He noted that limiting the prime minister’s tenure is not a new idea, but part of long-standing reform discourse reflecting the need for renewal in a mature democracy. The proposal, he said, was crafted after studying international best practices and balancing the need for stability with public confidence.
“Limiting tenure is a governance mechanism recognised in modern democracies. It ensures leadership transitions take place in an orderly, structured and lawful manner,” he said.
Anwar stressed that the move is not intended to weaken the executive, but to enhance legitimacy, public trust and long-term democratic stability. It would also reduce the risk of prolonged concentration of power and potential abuse.
The government conducted engagement sessions with agencies, community representatives and constitutional experts before finalising the proposal, he added.
“This is our effort to ensure the country continues to be guided by the Constitution, respected by the people and trusted by future generations,” he said, urging MPs across the aisle to back the bill. — March 2, 2026