PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has agreed that a comprehensive study be made before any decision on limiting Malaysia’s prime ministerial tenure to 10 years, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (pic).
“The Prime Minister has instructed that a detailed study is done before a decision is made on the matter,” the Communications Minister said during his weekly post-Cabinet briefing here yesterday.
Fahmi, who is also the government spokesman, said that discussion on limiting the prime ministerial tenure is still at an early stage.
“It involves complex and complicated matters and also needs the consensus of the respective states.
“It also needs an in-depth study if it involves amendments to the Federal Constitution,” he added.
On Sunday, Anwar expressed support to a proposal to limit Malaysia’s prime ministerial tenure to 10 years.
He stressed that discussions are ongoing to gain the support of all parties before moving forward.
Pakatan Harapan fully supports the proposal but emphasises the importance of negotiation and consensus-building before making any amendment, Anwar added.
The proposal was raised by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke at his party’s annual general assembly, saying that his party wants the government to amend the Federal Constitution to include a two-term limit for the prime ministership.
On a separate issue, Fahmi said the proposed amendments to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Act will not involve censorship of online media streaming.
He added that the proposed amendments are centred on film production and the welfare of those involved in the industry.
“The amendments are more on the process of film production as film itself is anachronistic in nature,” said Fahmi.
“Film producers do not use 35mm celluloid any longer to make movies. The process is modernised now.”
He said this includes how films are viewed by the general public, which is no longer confined to theatres as people can view them with electronic gadgets.
Fahmi said the amendments will also look into efforts to provide welfare to movie industry cast and crew members.
Fahmi was asked if the proposed amendments would include provisions of censorship of online media streaming.
The minister said censorship comes under the purview of the Film Censorship Board of Malaysia and not Finas.
He said the proposed amendments would be tabled in Parliament in June at the earliest.
