'If up to me, I will not stay past 10 years in office' - Anwar quips on PM term limit

Summary

• Anwar Ibrahim says he agrees to a proposal to limit the prime minister's time in office to only two terms or 10 years.

• The Pakatan Harapan chairperson, however, stresses the need to engage with all parties and secure two-thirds support in Parliament to pass the constitutional amendment.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has hinted that he will not remain at the helm of the federal administration beyond two terms or a maximum of 10 years.

In his speech at the 18th National DAP Congress, Anwar agreed with a proposed reform to limit the prime minister's time in office to only two terms.

"I agree to some (reform) suggestions. To limit the prime minister to 10 years in office.

"Because we know if it reaches 22 years, that will destroy the country," said Anwar in a subtle jab at one of his fiercest critics, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Pakatan Harapan chairperson added that while his party PKR and other Harapan components are also in agreement, there is still a need to secure a two-thirds majority support in Parliament to pass the required constitutional amendments.

"Don't worry, if it was up to me, I would not pass 10 years (in office). Just two years and I'm tired," he quipped.

"If there is a two-thirds agreement, we can push for amendments in the next (Parliament) sitting," he added.

‘Reformation legacy’

Anwar was responding to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke who in his earlier policy speech suggested implementing several promised reforms which have yet to be fulfilled, including limiting a prime minister's term in office, and separation of judicial powers.

In his speech, Loke clarified that the prime minister's term limits proposal was not a criticism of Anwar.

He instead phrased it as a reformation legacy for the prime minister, emphasising DAP's ongoing support for Anwar extending to the next general election.

Loke further expressed support for a constitutional amendment to separate the powers of the attorney-general and public prosecutor.

"This is a continuous effort that the government is implementing.

"This week, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said was on a working visit to the United Kingdom to see how it is implemented there," he said.

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