Malaysia not ready for 10-year Prime Minister limit - Analyst

SHAH ALAM - A 10-year term limit for Prime Minister is deemed unsuitable, raising concerns about potential disruptions to national administration.

Political analyst Mujibu Abd Muis argues that frequent policy shifts, common with leadership changes in Malaysia, pose a long-term disadvantage for a developing nation like Malaysia.

Loke also said that DAP would nominate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for Prime Minister should they form the government again in the 16th General Election (GE16). - Bernama photo

"In Malaysia, with political party leaders holding differing ideologies, opinions and experiences, we risk hindering progress due to constant policy reversals.

"For instance, a new Prime Minister after 10 years might introduce entirely different policies, unsettling the previous administration's work.

"While reforms and institutional changes are desirable, we must be realistic about their long-term consequences," he said.

Mujibu conceded that a 10-year limit could bring younger leaders into power.

However, he stated that term limits are typically proposed in countries where leaders have overstayed their welcome and corruption is rampant.

"Constitutionally, we operate as a parliamentary democracy.

"There are no explicit term conditions for the Prime Minister, beyond securing majority support from Members of Parliament.

"If the legal framework becomes unstable due to fluctuating policies, it affects not just the constitution but also the contesting parties.

"In Malaysia, the Prime Minister typically comes from the party leader.

"If the party leader has no term limit, but the Prime Minister does, the resulting party dynamics must be considered," Mujibu added.

DAP recently called for a constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister's tenure to 10 years.

Secretary-General Anthony Loke urged the government to implement this within 24 months, fulfilling a Pakatan Harapan (PH) election promise from the 15th General Election (GE15).

However, Loke also said that DAP would nominate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for Prime Minister should they form the government again in the 16th General Election (GE16).