KUALA LANGAT: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants a Bill limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms, or a maximum of 10 years, to be expedited and passed by the end of the current parliamentary meeting.
The Prime Minister said a decade is sufficient for any prime minister to implement reform agendas and key national policies before making way for new leadership.
“Anyone who sincerely wishes to serve the country, I think 10 years is enough. It is adequate to do one’s best, and after that, one should be ready to step aside for others to continue the service.
“If there is a majority consensus among Members of Parliament, we can pass it in the next sitting,” he said.
Asked whether the limit would apply to himself, Anwar said changes must begin with him.
“Yes, it starts with me. I cannot make a law for others. It must apply to me first,” he said after Friday prayers at Masjid Nurul Hidayah in Kampung Seri Cheeding, Banting.
The proposal to cap the prime minister’s tenure at two terms is widely seen as part of broader institutional reform efforts to strengthen democratic practice and governance.
On allegations of misconduct and corruption linked to two key government policies during the tenure of former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Anwar said the government remains consistent in addressing governance issues.
“Whatever the wrongdoing, whatever the allegation, we must be consistent (in our action). Regardless of who is involved, if there are allegations, investigate them transparently and openly.
“If there is evidence of guilt, prosecute. But do not publicise or punish beforehand,” he said in cautioning the public against being swayed by baseless accusations.
Rafizi has previously denied involvement in an alleged RM2.5bil corruption case linked to the award of a contract to a company said to be associated with him.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman said the Bill to limit the prime minister’s tenure will be tabled for first reading at the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
A Bill to propose the separation of offices of the Attorney-General and the Public Prosecutor will also be tabled on the same day, she said.
Azalina said the second reading of the Prime Minister’s Office Term Limit Bill is scheduled for March 3, with the Prime Minister expected to table it.
Details of the proposed laws would be made known on Monday, she said at a briefing to editors on the two Bills yesterday.
Azalina said both Bills have received Cabinet approval and expressed hope they will secure bipartisan support in Parliament to strengthen the nation’s legal framework and democratic governance.
Last month, Azalina said that discussions between the ministry and the Parliamentary Special Select Committee showed broad support for the proposed legislation from both government and opposition lawmakers.
The move to limit the prime minister’s tenure was among the election pledges of the coalition government in 2022.
