Dapsy backs constitutional amendment on PM tenure

KUCHING (Jan 7): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that the government will move to amend the Federal Constitution to limit the prime minister’s tenure to two terms addresses long-standing concerns over the concentration of power, governance integrity and democratic reform, said Dapsy Sarawak secretary George Lam.

Welcoming the move, Lam said the proposal reflected the Madani government’s firm commitment to institutional reform and its determination to fulfil the reform agenda promised in its election manifesto.

He noted that limiting the prime minister’s tenure to no more than 10 years or two terms was one of Pakatan Harapan’s key pledges in the previous general election, describing it as an important milestone in Malaysia’s democratic development.

“The core objective of this reform is to prevent excessive concentration of power in the hands of a single individual for too long, thereby reducing, at the institutional level, the risks of corruption, abuse of power and maladministration,” he said in a statement.

Lam pointed to the conviction of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on multiple counts of abuse of power and money laundering as a reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked authority.

“When power is overly concentrated and insufficiently checked, corruption and abuse inevitably follow.

“For this reason, imposing a term limit on the prime minister is not only necessary, but urgent,” he said.

He added that the announcement demonstrated the Madani government’s political will to push through meaningful institutional reforms, while listening to public sentiment and strengthening governance and institutional integrity.

“These reforms will gradually help Malaysia move away from the long-standing perception of corruption, towards a system of governance that is fairer, cleaner and more transparent,” he said.

Lam also welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement on the tabling of a Prosecution Separation Bill to separate the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor, saying it would help ensure prosecutorial independence and prevent executive interference in judicial processes.

“This is a major institutional reform with far-reaching implications for the rule of law in Malaysia, reinforcing the principle of separation of powers and safeguarding judicial independence for future generations,” he said.

On education, Lam welcomed the increase in funding for Chinese primary schools from RM50 million in 2025 to RM80 million in 2026, saying it met the long-standing expectations of the Chinese community.

He said the additional allocation demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting Chinese education, upholding Malaysia’s multicultural character and strengthening unity.

“The increase will allow schools to improve teaching and learning environments, enhance education quality and strengthen infrastructure, ensuring students can learn in a more conducive setting,” he said.

Lam also welcomed the government’s assistance measures for low- and middle-income groups, including the 2026 Basic Necessities Assistance (Sara), which will be credited into beneficiaries’ MyKad starting Jan 9, and the Cash Assistance (STR), to be disbursed from Jan 20.

In addition, he noted that all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a special RM100 Sara assistance through their MyKad on Feb 9.

He said the measures reflected improved efficiency in aid delivery under the Madani Government, particularly meaningful as the Chinese community prepares for Lunar New Year and Muslims for Ramadan.

In concluding, Lam said he was encouraged by the Prime Minister’s announcements at the start of the year, describing them as a reflection of the Madani government’s commitment to exercising power in the service of the people, advancing reforms and safeguarding the welfare of all communities.