Malaysia’s lower house of parliament has rejected a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the premiership to two terms. The bill, which sought to restrict any individual’s service as prime minister to a maximum of ten years, fell short during a vote on March 25, 2024. A total of 146 lawmakers supported the amendment, but this figure was two votes shy of the two-thirds majority required for passage.
The proposed reform was part of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim‘s agenda following his ascent to power in January 2022. Anwar has encountered mounting pressure to fulfill his campaign promises, with critics raising concerns about his commitment to reform. The voting process saw significant abstention, with 44 members of parliament choosing not to participate and 32 absent from the session.
In addressing the parliament before the vote, Law Minister Azalina Othman Said countered opposition allegations that the amendment would undermine the authority of the king, who holds the constitutional power to appoint a prime minister. She argued that the introduction of a term limit would enhance institutional integrity by preventing the concentration of power within the executive branch.
The failure to approve the bill highlights growing discontent regarding the implementation of Anwar’s reform initiatives, including dissatisfaction from within his own ruling coalition. Anwar has pledged to continue pursuing reform efforts, such as the introduction of an ombudsman law, throughout the year.
In a related development, parliament is scheduled to debate another significant bill this week that aims to separate the dual role of the attorney general as both the government’s principal legal advisor and public prosecutor. Concerns have emerged regarding potential conflicts of interest, given that attorney generals are appointed by the prime minister.
Last month, ten lawmakers from Anwar’s party expressed their intention to withdraw support from the proposed separation of roles, citing fears that it could create a new office with excessive power concentrated in a few hands. As the political landscape continues to evolve, these developments will be crucial in shaping Malaysia’s governance and reform trajectory.
