PUTRAJAYA: Nobody is indispensable, and that principle underpins the government's move to introduce a bill to limit the Prime Minister's tenure to two full terms, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said Malaysia, with a population of more than 34 million, has many capable leaders and must prevent power from being concentrated in one individual for too long.
"Nobody is indispensable. In Malaysia, with 34 million people, there are so many capable individuals out there. If someone is a great leader, they should leave behind a succession plan," she said at a town hall session on the proposed bill here Thursday (Jan 29).
Azalina stressed that the proposed bill is not intended to restrict any individual, but rather to strengthen governance and prevent abuse of power.
"It's not about limiting a person. It's about not allowing someone to abuse power, about preventing the mindset of being 'untouchable' and can carry on ruling forever and ever. That's the message," she said.
Azalina said that even after stepping down, former leaders can continue contributing to the nation in other capacities, including as senior ministers or advisers, as leadership should function collectively.
Emphasising that the Prime Minister's post remains one of the most powerful positions under the Federal Constitution, Azalina said institutional safeguards are necessary.
"I hope everybody understands it's not so much about not trusting, but it's more because the position is very powerful," she said.
At a press conference later, Azalina confirmed the bill will involve a constitutional amendment, which she hopes to table during the current Parliament sitting.
However, she said that the lawmakers must first agree on key aspects, including the precise definition of the term limit and whether it should be set at two terms or capped at 10 years.
She said discussions are also needed on enforcement, including whether the limit would apply retrospectively or prospectively, and whether it would cover only consecutive terms or also non-consecutive terms served at different periods.
"I will present the policy decision. If approved by the Cabinet and formulated as a constitutional amendment, I will table it to all Members of Parliament by bloc. Of course, we will discuss thoroughly the issues raised," she added. - Bernama
