Larry Sng calls for stronger Backbenchers Club role after PM tenure cap Bill fails to pass

KUCHING (March 7): Several lessons can be drawn from the recent failure to pass a constitutional amendment in Parliament, including the need for a more proactive role by the Backbenchers Club (BBC) and greater participation for MPs from smaller parties, said Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng.

In a Facebook post, Sng said the BBC should play a more proactive role in ensuring government MPs are present for important votes, noting that in the past it closely monitored attendance to ensure members turned up for parliamentary voting sessions.

“This was the case under BN (Barisan Nasional) and PN (Perikatan Nasional) governments. PH (Pakatan Harapan) and especially PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) leaders are less sensitive and perhaps this is a lesson learned,” he said.

Sng was responding to civil society groups that had condemned MPs for failing to pass the constitutional amendment bill seeking to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to 10 years.

It was reported that Sng was among eight government MPs who were absent during the voting process.

The bloc vote on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 saw 146 Members of Parliament vote in favour, while 32 were absent and 44 did not vote.

The constitutional amendment requires the support of at least two-thirds of the Dewan Rakyat, or 148 MPs, to be passed.

Larry, in his post, pointed out that although it was a government bill, even if it were passed it would not have a major impact on the daily livelihoods of the people.

“None of my constituents are up in arms that it wasn’t passed, nor has it even been mentioned during my usual walkabouts. Some may even question the need for such an amendment, given that Malaysia developed the fastest under a certain PM (prime minister) who served longer than 10 years,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a four-term legislator at both state and federal levels, Sng said he personally prefers strong leadership capable of delivering results.

“Difficult decisions require strong leadership. It doesn’t really matter how long they are there as long as they get the job done,” he said.

Nevertheless, he stressed that as a government MP, he would continue to vote along government lines in Parliament.

He expressed confidence that the Bill would likely be passed when it is retabled in Parliament.

He also advised civil society groups to build stronger networks with MPs and understand the limitations lawmakers face.

“Excessive criticism of MPs would limit their influence in Parliament. Besides, if they are as influential as some think, perhaps they should run for elections. There is no point talking about checks and balances if at the end of the day you only make noise,” he said.