KUCHING: The proposal to limit the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years or two full terms should be accompanied by a clause that prevents it from being reviewed or amended in the future, says political analyst Dr Lee Kuok Tiung.
He said without such a provision, any prime minister would have the potential to amend the law if there was a desire to extend the administration beyond two terms.
“If there is no clause preventing a review, then this term limit may be changed at any time by a prime minister who commands sufficient political support,” he said when asked to comment on the Bill announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Bill would likely be tabled at the upcoming Parliament sitting at the end of this month.
Lee expressed support for the Bill, describing it as a consistent measure, particularly in efforts to avoid excessive concentration of power in the hands of a single individual.
Dr Lee explained that the proposal touches on the core of political institutional theory, the balance between concentration of power and political stability with term limits seen as capable of reducing the risk of power centralisation and the phenomenon of ‘personalisation of power’ within the country’s administrative system.
“It also implies a more structured and planned leadership transition, and necessitates the existence of a leadership succession line that is ready to take over governance,” he added.
However, he cautioned that within the reality of Malaysian politics characterised by coalition governments and fragile coalition stability, the move may also invite sceptical views.
“If the prime minister’s tenure is limited to two terms, internal party competition and power negotiations within the coalition may begin earlier.
“This could shift leadership focus from governance to the pursuit of their own political survival,” he stressed.
Lee also opined that Malaysia’s political culture, which is less ideology- or policy-driven, contributes to instability, with frequent shifts in support and political realignments.
At the same time, he said there may be perceptions among certain quarters questioning the proposal, given that it was not implemented at the early stage of the prime minister’s administration.
“There may be a perception that this Bill could be seen as a symbolic move suggesting that the prime minister intends to remain in power for a long period, while also securing support for another term,” he said.
