KUALA LUMPUR – Former Bersatu politician Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah has voiced his strong support for limiting the tenure of Malaysia’s prime minister, arguing that it is crucial to curb corruption, cronyism, and abuse of power, while ensuring healthy leadership renewal.
His comments came after it was reported that the federal government plans to table a bill in Parliament to cap the prime minister’s tenure at no more than two full terms, or 10 years, as part of a package of institutional reforms expected during the current parliamentary session.
Speaking on the Trik Lama podcast, hosted by Terence Fernandez, editor-in-chief of Big Boom Media Group which publishes Scoop, and co-hosted by group chief executive Datuk Zainul Arifin and group executive director Datuk Ahirudin Attan, also known as Rocky Bru, the Indera Mahkota MP said term limits are a matter of principle and democratic accountability.
“I have always believed that we should have a limitation on the tenure of the prime minister. It was in our manifesto for the 2018 general elections. But even if it wasn’t in the manifesto, I still believe in it,” Saifuddin said.
“We had someone in power for over 20 years. Many countries practising democracy have learned from history and started to chart a new way forward, including amending constitutions and putting term limits for presidents or prime ministers.
“The longer someone stays in office, the higher the risk of corruption, cronyism, and nepotism. Term limits are a practical way to ensure accountability.”
Saifuddin also addressed the idea of “lame duck” prime ministers, often cited as a criticism of limiting tenure.
“Some say that by the second term, a prime minister becomes a lame duck. But everyone is a lame duck eventually because elections happen every five years. What is important is to limit factors that may lead to misuse of power, cronyism, and nepotism.”
The former communications minister stressed that leadership renewal and accountability take precedence over individual political figures, and institutional safeguards are more important than personalities.
“Even beyond manifesto promises, I believe term limits provide a framework to keep leadership accountable, prevent stagnation, and ensure that power is not concentrated indefinitely in the hands of one individual.
“It’s not about targeting anyone personally. It’s about the system, not the person.”
Saifuddin added that enabling new leaders to emerge is essential to strengthening Malaysia’s democratic institutions and maintaining public trust.
“You have to give opportunities for new leaders, for fresh ideas, and for checks and balances to operate effectively. Otherwise, the system becomes prone to abuse.”
For the record, Saifuddin was recently dismissed from Bersatu on January 6, following a decision by the party’s disciplinary board, which found him guilty of breaching the party’s constitution and code of ethics.
He was among seven senior party members expelled in recent months, including Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal and Wan Saiful Wan Jan, amid growing tensions over the party’s leadership and direction under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. – January 14, 2026