Malaysia Plans 10-Year Term Limit for Prime Minister

Malaysia is set to witness a significant political reform as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to introduce legislation capping the prime minister’s tenure at a maximum of 10 years. The move, aimed at strengthening democratic accountability and leadership renewal, fulfils a key election promise made by the ruling coalition and marks a departure from decades of unrestricted executive tenure.

Anwar Ibrahim Announces Landmark Reform

Prime Minister “Anwar Ibrahim” said the government will table a bill this year to limit the prime minister’s term to no more than two full terms, or 10 years in total. Addressing ministers and civil servants during a New Year announcement, Anwar emphasised that leadership positions must not be permanent. He stated that after completing a term, it is healthier for the system to allow the next generation to take over responsibility.

Current System and Historical Context

At present, Malaysia has no constitutional or legal limit on how long a prime minister may remain in office. This allowed former leader “Mahathir Mohamad” to serve for 22 years during his first tenure before stepping down in 2003, and later return to office in 2018 at the age of 92. Anwar’s proposal seeks to prevent prolonged concentration of power and encourage leadership rotation within a defined timeframe.

Broader Governance and Legal Reforms Planned

Alongside the term-limit bill, Anwar said legislation would be introduced to separate the role of the attorney-general as the government’s chief legal adviser from the function of public prosecutor. He also announced plans for a freedom of information law and the establishment of an independent ombudsman to enhance transparency and anti-corruption efforts. These measures are intended to strengthen institutional checks and public accountability across government.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Malaysia currently has no legal term limit for its prime minister.
• The proposed reform caps the prime minister’s tenure at two terms or 10 years.
• Mahathir Mohamad served over two decades as prime minister in his first tenure.
• Ombudsman institutions are designed to enhance administrative accountability.

Political Backdrop and Parliamentary Path Ahead

Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition committed in its 2022 election manifesto to limiting the prime minister’s tenure. While he did not specify an exact date for tabling the bill, parliament is scheduled to convene its first session of the year this month. The reform push follows renewed focus on governance standards after former prime minister “Najib Razak” was recently sentenced to additional prison time over corruption linked to the 1MDB scandal, reinforcing public demand for stronger institutional safeguards.