PM term limit: Civil society group urges political parties to support reform plan

Summary

• A coalition of civil society organisations calls for all politicians to unite and support a plan for a term limit on the prime minister's tenure.

• CSO Platform for Reform says the plan is a critical reform to prevent excessive concentration of power and suggests it be extended to menteri besar and chief minister positions.

Civil society organisations have urged all political parties to set aside their differences and support the plan to introduce a term limit on the prime minister's tenure.

CSO Platform for Reform called the plan a critical reform that would prevent excessive concentration of power, foster democratic stability, and enhance institutional integrity.

"Implementing a two-term limit will promote more accountable, transparent, and dynamic governance while ensuring that no single individual wields unchecked authority for too long.

"We urge all political parties to support this amendment and facilitate its swift implementation," it said in a statement today.

Adding further, the group pointed to Dr Mahathir Mohamad's first tenure as the prime minister between 1981 and 2003, which it said had shown the consequences of a prolonged leadership.

Extended tenures risk power consolidation by a prime minister and weaken institutional checks and balances, it added.

Prolonged leadership would also hinder the emergence of fresh leadership, it said.

The group suggested that the plan to limit the leadership term be extended to menteris besar and chief ministers as well.

"The time for excuses and delays is over - Malaysia has a historic opportunity to fortify its democracy.

"We urge all political parties to demonstrate their commitment to good governance by supporting term limits at both the federal and state levels," it added.

PAS objections

On Sunday, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke suggested the government implement several promised reforms which have yet to be fulfilled, including limiting a prime minister’s term in office, and the separation of judicial powers.

The remarks had been met with a racially charged response from PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, who viewed the suggestion as an attempt by the "minority" to dictate the "majority" by dismantling the Constitution.

Another PAS leader, Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman, said the topic is open for discussion but with the condition that the prime minister position is set exclusively for Muslims.

Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad - who is from BN - also commented on the matter, stating that it needs to be studied comprehensively and warned that it could be detrimental to limit a "visionary leader" from helming the country.

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