Constitutional amendments: No return for former PMs who have served 10 years, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): Former prime ministers who have already served a cumulative 10 years will not be eligible for reappointment once the proposed constitutional amendment Bill limiting the premier’s tenure comes into force.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, said the Bill calculates a prime minister’s service by total years in office rather than by parliamentary terms.

“For example, if PMX (10th Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) wins the 16th General Election and wishes to continue, he can because, based on years served, he would still have seven years remaining.

“(Pagoh MP) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would have eight years left if he were appointed again, while Bera MP (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) would have nine,” she told reporters after a ministerial briefing at Parliament today, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as members of both Houses of Parliament.

Earlier, Azalina tabled the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat to cap the prime minister’s tenure at 10 years.

Elaborating, Azalina said the amendment fulfils a pledge made in the 15th General Election manifesto and reflects the MADANI Government’s institutional reform agenda, stressing that no individual should hold the premiership for more than a decade.

Asked whether future administrations could reverse the move, Azalina said any government with a two-thirds majority would have the prerogative to amend the constitution.

The proposed limit applies only to the office of prime minister and does not affect the positions of chief minister or menteri besar, which fall under state jurisdiction. – Bernama