Comprehensive study needed on limiting PM’s service to 10 years, says Azalina

 

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said considering Malaysia’s political landscape, a two-term limit for the prime minister may be more appropriate, instead of imposing a 10-year limit. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

A comprehensive study is needed if the prime minister’s term of service is to be limited to a maximum of 10 years, says law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said.

Any amendment to the Federal Constitution, to enable this, will also require an in-depth discussion and further decisions by the Cabinet, she added.

Azalina said a special session of Parliament will need to be convened under Rule 11(3) of the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara to debate the matter, Bernama reported.

This matter requires a thorough policy decision, she said in a written response in the Dewan Negara, published on the Parliament website today. She was answering a question from Senator Abdul Nasir Idris.

Azalina said the government had on March 11, 2022 considered a memorandum from the prime minister regarding the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2022 related to the limitation of the prime minister’s term to no more than 10 years.

However, the government had postponed the decision on the memorandum to allow for a more comprehensive review, especially concerning policy matters, she added.

Considering Malaysia’s political landscape, Azalina suggested setting a two-term limit for the prime minister, instead of a period of 10 years. - FMT