PUTRAJAYA: The proposal to limit the premier’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years or two full terms was suggested by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim himself during a special Cabinet meeting on Monday and was agreed to by all Cabinet members, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the move is a game changer capable of bringing major reforms to the country’s governance system.
Ahmad Zahid said the term limit is important to prevent a prime minister from holding office for too long, which could lead to leadership fatigue or “overstaying his or her welcome”, even if the individual performs well.
“This is a game changer. In my view, we do not want a prime minister to remain in power for too long.
“No matter how good one’s performance is, staying too long can lead to a saturation effect.
“This is a good step proposed by the Prime Minister himself,” he said after delivering the ministry’s 2026 New Year message here yesterday, Bernama reported.
On Monday, Anwar said a Bill to limit the prime minister’s tenure to no more than 10 years or two full terms would be presented during the next parliamentary session, which begins on Jan 19.
The Bill is among four key pieces of legislation to be tabled as part of Parliament’s direction for this year.
