SHAH ALAM – Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has denied rejecting the Federal Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, stating that while he supports the proposal to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure, he was absent from Monday’s bloc voting due to health reasons.
The Barisan Nasional lawmaker insisted he had consistently backed the government’s Bill and dismissed claims that his absence was a form of opposition to the motion.
Suhaimi said that he was forced to leave the Dewan Rakyat at 1.30pm to seek medical treatment.
“I agree with the Bill, but I was unable to attend the vote because I was unwell yesterday (Monday).
“Today (Tuesday), I am still not well and have been advised by a doctor to continue resting at home," he said on Tuesday.
Suhaimi clarified that he had attended the morning session as his question was listed as number 11 on the oral question agenda.
“However, I suddenly felt dizzy and nauseous just before the debate began. At 1.30pm, I decided to return home to rest and receive treatment after my blood pressure rose,” he added.
Suhaimi was responding to Deputy Speaker Alice Lau Kiong’s statement that eight government bloc MPs were absent during the vote to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to 10 years.
As a result, the Bill failed to secure approval after falling short by just two votes of the required two-thirds majority of 148. The final tally showed 146 in support, 44 abstaining, and 32 absent.
Among the other government lawmakers listed as absent were Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (Sembrong), Datuk Seri M. Saravanan (Tapah), Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (Keningau), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Larry Sng (Julau), Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Lawas) and Riduan Rubin (Tenom).
Following the outcome, DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke expressed disappointment and urged the public to hold MPs who failed to support the amendment accountable.
Earlier, Syed Abu Hussin and Larry Sng confirmed their absences for differing reasons. Syed Abu Hussin stated he intentionally did not participate as he disagreed with the amendment, wanting Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remain in office longer if capable.
Conversely, Larry Sng—the Parti Bangsa Malaysia President—maintained his support for the Bill but claimed he was "caught in traffic congestion" while returning to Parliament from an engagement.
The Bill’s failure has cast uncertainty over another key amendment scheduled for Tuesday regarding the separation of the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor, which also requires two-thirds majority support.