Bersih has lauded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement to introduce a 10-year term limit for the prime minister, describing it as an example to other countries also following the Westminster parliamentary system.
Anwar, in his speech during the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly this morning, said that a bill to limit the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of two terms will be tabled in Parliament sometime this year.
Bersih chairperson Faisal Aziz said Malaysia is set to become the first country practising the Westminster model to impose a term limit on the prime minister’s office, if the law is enacted.
“Historically, no country under the Westminster model has since established a term limit for the prime minister. Conventionally, a prime minister may serve as long as they command the majority support of Parliament.
“If Anwar implements this, it would represent a significant milestone, positioning Malaysia ahead of other Westminster nations.
“When the prime minister’s tenure is limited, the incumbent is incentivised to implement policies and programmes more efficiently and effectively,” Faisal said on X today.
He described the move as a positive leap forward that would help address corruption, malpractice, and abuse of power.
“It also opens up space for younger political leaders to step up. Indirectly, it helps foster a healthier political culture by ensuring competition remains open to new leadership,” Faisal added.
Westminster model
The Westminster parliamentary system is modelled on the UK parliamentary system, inherited from British colonial rule.
The Westminster model is still adopted in various Commonwealth countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Typically, under the Westminster model, the prime minister is elected as the head of state and is held accountable to the legislative branch of government, which is Parliament.
Countries practising the Westminster model often limit a single term for the head of state to five years, before possibly being re-elected for a second or third term.
In other democratic systems, such as in the United States, France, and Brazil, the president, as head of state, is limited to two five-year terms.
In neighbouring Indonesia, the president is also allowed to serve for a maximum of two terms, following constitutional reforms enacted in the early 2000s.
Restoring Parliament’s independence
Faisal also applauded the reintroduction of the Parliamentary Service Act 2025 (PSA), which will come into effect later this year.
He described the Act as “a core tenet of the Westminster system”, allowing less room for abuse of power and more stringent checks and balances.
The PSA received royal assent in July 2025, after being tabled earlier last year. Previously, it was repealed in 1992 by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who consecutively served for four terms lasting more than 20 years.
The PSA grants the Dewan Rakyat administrative independence from the government, and thus the power to manage its own staffing, budget, governance, and internal policies.
Several other democratic reforms announced by Anwar this morning, which can be expected this year, include the tabling of the Freedom of Information Bill and the creation of an ombudsman office.
Another law aimed at strengthening law enforcement and the fight against graft is a bill to separate the Attorney-General’s Chambers from the public prosecutor’s office, which Anwar said will be the first bill to be tabled. - Mkini
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