DAP urges voters to hold absentee MPs accountable after PM term limit bill fails

SHAH ALAM – DAP has urged civil society and the electorate to condemn and question Members of Parliament (MPs) who were absent during a crucial vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to 10 years.

The call follows the Bill’s failure to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

The atmosphere during the vote at the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament of the Dewan Rakyat at the Parliament Building yesterday. (BERNAMA PHOTO)

The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 fell short by just two votes, with only 146 MPs supporting the motion. A total of 148 votes—representing a two-thirds majority of the House—were required for the amendment to pass.

DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke expressed disappointment over the outcome, noting that the narrow margin was a missed opportunity for institutional reform.

“The result showed only 146 in support, which is two votes short of reaching the two-thirds majority. I would like to stress that all 40 DAP MPs were present to support the amendment. DAP worked earnestly to realise this reform agenda,” he stated in a Facebook post on Monday.

According to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, 44 MPs did not participate in the vote, while 32 others were entirely absent during the voting process.

This lack of attendance directly resulted in the Bill’s failure.

The proposed amendment sought to cap the Prime Minister’s tenure at 10 years, a move framed by the government as a cornerstone of broader efforts to strengthen Malaysia's democratic institutions.