The government has launched an online survey to gather feedback on a proposal to impose term limits on the prime minister.
According to the Prime Minister’s Department’s legal affairs division, the survey will run from Jan 21 to 28.
“The proposal involves consideration of setting a maximum limit on the prime minister’s tenure, either based on the number of terms or a maximum number of years.
“Among the matters being studied are how the length of service would be calculated, the impact on continuity of administration, and the preservation of the role and powers of the constitutional monarchy,” said the division.
The division added that the survey aims to collate views from a broad range of stakeholders, including MPs, civil servants, civil society groups, and the general public, to help the government reach a balanced, evidence-based policy decision in line with the Federal Constitution.
A key question is what happens to the cabinet when a prime minister reaches the term limit and resigns. The possible outcomes outlined were: a) The entire cabinet resigns with the prime minister, b) Only the prime minister resigns; the cabinet may continue, c) Determined by constitutional or legal provisions and d) Uncertain.
The survey also questioned whether the proposal to limit the term of the prime minister would affect the discretionary powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Click on the link to access the survey.
Conditional support
Yesterday, the opposition said it is ready to support Putrajaya’s proposal to impose a two-term limit on the prime minister’s post, but on the condition that it be accompanied by a clause that also prevents a prime minister from also holding the finance portfolio at the same time.
On Jan 5, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that limiting the term of the prime minister to 10 years will be among four reforms to be enacted in 2026 as the Madani administration attempts to deliver on its electoral promises.
In a special New Year’s announcement, he said the bill to limit a prime minister’s tenure to two terms will be tabled in Parliament sometime this year.
“Every person has their time limit. If you are given a period of time, do everything (you need to) in that time – after that, it is better to hand things over to the next generation,” he said. - Mkini
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