Continuing to push for a two-term limit for the post of the country’s prime minister, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) say this can be made possible by way of convention, or by amending the Federal Constitution.

Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub said they had referred to the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) models in coming out with the suggestion.

America’s longest-serving president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, although competent in his job, had been president for too long, said Salahuddin.

Roosevelt was the only US president to be elected to four terms.

“In the US, they limited the term by amending the constitution while in the UK it is by convention.

“Maybe, after the fall of Barisan Nasional in the next general election, if all MPs can agree, we can amend the constitution with a two-thirds majority," Salahuddin said at a press conference at Amanah's headquarters in Kuala Lumupur today.

And if this is not possible, the situation can be like that in the UK, which is by convention.

“For example, it is not stated that the country's prime minister and deputy prime minister must be Malay and Muslim, but it is as such by convention," he pointed out.

In the meantime, Amanah and Bersatu will hold meetings with prominent figures – from statesmen to academicians and legal experts – to obtain their support in this matter.

“We will let them know about our objectives on this issue. If we manage to obtain support, we will suggest that this idea be adopted at a national-level seminar,” Salahuddin said.

Bersatu pro-tem vice-president Mukhriz Mahathir (photo) said the idea was mooted as the country never had a prime minister so intent on abusing his powers to hold on to his position.

“Among the reasons why we are suggesting that a prime minister’s term be limited is so that abuse of power will not continue.

"It is so that a prime minister will not abuse his power because he knows that in 10 years’ time, he will have to resign."

Mukhriz said certain conditions could be considered for an extension of the term - for instance, if the prime minister is ‘too popular’.

However, Salahuddin stressed that even if a leader is good in his job, his term must be limited to two terms only.

“This will be for the good of the country," Salahuddin said.

Asked whether the issue was ever discussed in Umno, Mukhriz said he believes it has never been brought up due to the position Umno enjoyed - living in the comfort zone.

'Not for the benefit of Umno'

“It’s not for the benefit of Umno if the (prime minister’s term) is limited.

“I admit that previously I have never thought about the possibility of taking action against a corrupt prime minister because we thought there are existing checks and balances that would prevent this from happening.

“But now, I have realised that the country’s institutions need to be strengthened," Mukhriz said.

As to whether this suggestion should also be implemented at state levels, he said this has not been deliberated yet.

“This can also be the convention at the state level. But at the moment we are focused on the one with the most power, which is the prime minister."

Meanwhile, Amanah secretary-general Anuar Tahir said this matter has long been agreed upon by opposition parties, in previous manifestoes.

“Since the time of Barisan Alternatif, we have spoken about limiting the prime minister’s term to two terms," he said..

Chipping in, Salahuddin said that since opposition parties have ‘agreed in spirit’ on the matter, there was no need to raise the issue on the opposition front.

Mukhriz had previously said that Bersatu will suggest a two-term limit for the prime minister if it can succeed in taking over Putrajaya at the next general election.

Calls have been made for the prime minister's post to be limited after revelations of alleged corruption scandals plaguing Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

The prime minister, however, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.