PETALING JAYA: Limiting the tenure of the Prime Minister to 10 years does not undermine the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and is needed to curb excessive executive power, says the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih).
"The Prime Minister's post is a constitutional position, meaning it is subject to constitutional provisions in carrying out its duties and functions, including aspects of appointment, said Bersih chairman Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz in a statement on Friday (Feb 27).
"Article 43(2)(a) sets out the procedure for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to appoint the Prime Minister, which shows there are already specific conditions governing the appointment, in line with the constitutional monarchy system we practise," he said.
Faisal added that the Federal Constitution is a living document that can be amended.
"Article 159(1) provides that the Constitution may be amended, proving that it evolves with the times.
"Article 159(5) clearly specifies special provisions that cannot be amended without the consent of the Conference of Rulers, including matters on Islam, special privileges, the national language and citizenship.
"Amendments to Article 43 cannot be interpreted as affecting the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Conference of Rulers, as it is not included under Article 159(5)," he added.
Faisal said the purpose of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 was to limit executive power by preventing the concentration of authority in the hands of a Prime Minister for too long a period.
"This amendment is an institutional reform leap that should not be politicised by any party as it is not intended in any way to affect the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," he said.
Faisal added that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had, in his Royal Address at the opening of Parliament on Jan 19, expressed clear support for limit the tenure of the Prime Minister to 10 years.
The Opposition had earlier proposed for government not to proceed with the second reading of the Bills on the separation of powers of the attorney general and on limiting the Prime Minister's term.
Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the Opposition recommended that both draft laws be referred to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee first for review.
Takiyuddin said the Bill to limit the Prime Minister's tenure to 10 years contradicted the Federal Constitution.
He claimed the Bill was unconstitutional as it allegedly touched on and restricted the prerogative powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in appointing the Prime Minister.
