KUALA LUMPUR: The government remains committed to implementing the institutional reform agenda, including a proposed amendment to the Federal Constitution to limit the Prime Minister's time in office to 10 years, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
However, the Prime Minister said the effort must be approached carefully to avoid the risk of failure.
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He said when implementing any reform, the government must consider historical events and learn from countries like Poland and the Czech Republic where reforms failed, partly because they were rushed.
"What sets us apart from the previous government? We are committed to reforms, to the point where some fear they could be detrimental.
"However, those who support reforms are often seen as impatient to see change.
"I want to stress that reforms are unlikely to succeed if implemented hastily or too abruptly. "From history, we have learned that reforms carried out in such a manner often fail," Anwar said in his speech at the 18th DAP Congress at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Section 15, here, on Sunday (March 16).
Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said that this was not an excuse to delay reforms, as various changes had already been made during the two years of the administration.
He said there are still many institutional reform agenda items to be implemented but the public must understand that the process of change, particularly involving legislation or the Federal Constitution, requires strong support from Members of Parliament.
"The process of amending and reforming this institution is not easy. We need a consensus or a two-thirds majority of support from the Dewan Rakyat members, as well as the consent of the Conference of Rulers.
"For example, we are committed to limiting the Prime Minister's term to 10 years. I, along with PKR and Pakatan have agreed, but we still need the support of a two-thirds majority. If such agreement is reached, we can present it at the next sitting," he said. – Bernama
