KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to introduce legislation this year to establish a limit for prime minister. The proposed law will cap the tenure at a maximum of 10 years.
Speaking to ministers and civil servants after a cabinet meeting, Anwar emphasized that leaders should not cling to power. “Everyone has a term limit without exception,” he said.
Anwar confirmed that the bill will set a maximum of two full terms for the prime minister. He added that after completing the term, it is better to hand leadership to the next generation.
Currently, Malaysia has no term limit. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad served for 22 years during his first tenure, stepping down in 2003. He later returned at age 92 to lead a coalition that ousted Najib Razak in 2018.
Anwar did not specify when the limit for prime minister bill would be filed. Parliament is expected to hold its first session of the year this month, where the legislation may be discussed.
The move fulfills a campaign promise of Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition. Their 2022 election manifesto pledged to limit the prime minister’s tenure to two terms.
In addition to the term limits, Anwar announced plans to introduce a freedom of information bill and legislation to establish an ombudsman’s office. These steps aim to strengthen accountability and fight corruption.
“The ombudsman allows people to raise issues because, without exception, from the prime minister downwards, everyone must be accountable,” Anwar said.
The announcement comes after Malaysia’s High Court sentenced ex-premier Najib Razak to 15 additional years in jail for abuse of power and money laundering in the 1MDB scandal. Najib, 72, is currently serving a six-year term in a related case.
Experts say the limit for prime minister legislation could modernize Malaysia’s governance system and prevent extended political dominance. The new rule is expected to encourage leadership renewal and transparency.
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The proposed changes signal a significant reform in Malaysia’s political framework. Anwar’s government aims to ensure orderly succession and reinforce democratic practices through these measures.
