Government Confident PM Term Limit Bill Will Secure Two-Thirds Majority in Next Parliamentary Sitting
Deputy Prime Minister says proposed constitutional amendment reflects government’s commitment to institutional reform
PUTRAJAYA, March 5 — The Malaysian government is confident that the proposed Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2026 aimed at limiting the tenure of the prime minister will eventually secure the required two-thirds majority when it is reintroduced in Parliament.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the bill represents an important institutional reform designed to strengthen Malaysia’s democratic governance.
According to him, although some quarters have questioned the necessity of imposing a term limit on the prime minister’s position, the government believes the move would benefit the country’s political system.
“The government believes that limiting the term of the prime minister is a positive reform for the nation at this time,” he said when met after an iftar event with staff of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) in Putrajaya today.
Fadillah, who also serves as the government’s chief whip in Parliament, said the proposal reflects the Madani government’s commitment to institutional reforms championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He added that introducing a term limit would encourage greater accountability and transparency within Malaysia’s executive leadership.
Concerns About Royal Powers Addressed
Responding to criticisms surrounding the bill, Fadillah noted that some critics had suggested the amendment could affect the constitutional powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in appointing the prime minister.
However, he stressed that such concerns had already been addressed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said during the parliamentary debate.
According to Fadillah, the proposed amendment does not alter the King’s authority to appoint the prime minister as provided under the Federal Constitution.
Instead, the amendment would only introduce a limit on how long an individual can serve in the role.
Explanation for MPs’ Absence During Vote
Fadillah also addressed questions regarding the absence of several Members of Parliament during the vote on the bill earlier this week.
He said explanations had been received from the MPs involved.
Two MPs had submitted formal letters explaining their absence, while others had provided verbal explanations.
Some lawmakers, he added, were stranded overseas due to flight disruptions and were therefore unable to return in time for the parliamentary session.
“Most of those who were absent actually supported the bill,” he said.
He noted that only the Member of Parliament for Bukit Gantang, Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, had openly stated his opposition to the proposed amendment.
Bill Failed to Reach Required Majority
Earlier this week, the Dewan Rakyat did not approve the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2026 after it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments.
Although 146 Members of Parliament voted in support of the bill, the number fell short of the threshold required for approval.
A total of 44 MPs abstained from the vote, while 32 MPs were absent during the session.
As a result, the bill could not be passed despite receiving majority support.
Government Remains Committed to Reform
Despite the setback, the government has reiterated its commitment to pursuing institutional reforms through constitutional amendments.
Fadillah expressed confidence that when the bill is tabled again in a future parliamentary session, it will receive the necessary support to pass.
He said the proposed limit on the prime minister’s tenure is an important step toward strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that leadership renewal continues to take place within Malaysia’s political system.
-wilayah.com.my
