Chow praises PM term limit bill, says Penang did it first for CM role

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has praised the federal government’s intention to table a bill to limit the tenure of a prime minister to 10 years.

He called the move "an important institutional reform measure" in strengthening the country's democratic processes while lauding its benefits to governance, particularly those rooted in transparency and integrity.

"I believe this move is the aspiration of all Malaysians who want the country's administrative system to run with more transparency, accountability, and free from abuse of power, while also promoting a healthy transition of power based on the principles of checks and balances," the DAP central executive committee member said in a statement today.

The reform aligns with the Penang state government, which in November 2018 approved a two-term limit for the chief minister - the first state in the country to do so, Chow (above) added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will table a bill to limit the prime minister's tenure to a maximum of two terms sometime this year.

During DAP’s national congress last year, Anwar hinted that he would not hold the post beyond two terms or a maximum of 10 years.

In a subtle jab at former two-time prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Anwar said a prime minister’s term reaching 22 years would “destroy the country”.

Mahathir had disagreed with the proposal, saying a decade is not enough to implement successful progress.

AG-PP separation, FOI Bill

Another DAP leader also welcomed Anwar's announcement that a bill to separate the Attorney-General’s Chambers from the public prosecutor’s office will be the first to be tabled in the upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting.

Party chairperson Gobind Singh Deo said this bill, as well as the bill to limit the prime minister's tenure, will aid in strengthening the system of checks and balances on power.

"Such institutional reforms are crucial in strengthening the principles of good governance, ensuring effective checks and balances, and further reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the supremacy of the Constitution in the interest of the nation and its people," he said in a statement today.

The digital minister also welcomed Anwar's instruction to accelerate the rollout of digital systems to deliver government services.

Gobind said one of his ministry's top priorities will be the Freedom of Information Bill, which was among the legal reforms Anwar announced earlier today.

"This bill will serve as a catalyst for greater transparency in the public service by ensuring that individuals’ rights to access information under the government’s jurisdiction are guaranteed and protected by law," he added.

Digital shift

Earlier, Anwar told all ministries and departments to focus on the shift to digital processes, touting it as a bureaucratic reform.

He urged civil servants, including ministers, to use artificial intelligence tools with human oversight to craft drafts for official responses, saying that it would save time while increasing the quality of their work.

An exception will be made for online dealings that are tied to legal provisions, he added.

Bersih lauds reforms announcement, says M'sia an example for other nations

Enforcement bodies must adhere to rules, Anwar reiterates

PM's term limit, FOI among law reforms to be tabled this year