Chong: 10-year PM term limit a crucial systemic check on power

KUCHING (Jan 7): Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the proposed two term or 10-year limit for the prime minister’s tenure by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will serve as a systemic check on the unlimited power of the sitting prime minister.

The Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman said the move demonstrates Anwar’s resolve to institute reforms in the country’s system.

“It will also be the first of its kind in the Westminster systems throughout the world,” he said in a statement.

Chong noted this is one of Pakatan Harapan’s agendas, with the clear objective of curtailing the power of the prime minister.

He said DAP Sarawak welcomes the announcement and looks forward to the tabling of the bill in Parliament.

“As this will involve an amendment to the Federal Constitution, it will require a two-thirds majority support in the Dewan Rakyat. All DAP Members of Parliament will be present to cast our votes of support in the House,” he added.

As a Sarawakian, Chong said he also looks forward to the day when similar provision will be included in the Constitution of the State of Sarawak.

During a New Year’s special assembly held in Putrajaya, Anwar said he is reviving a reform pledge that was among PH’s key electoral promises.

The PH chairman said the Bill would likely be tabled at the upcoming Parliament sitting at the end of January, alongside another proposed law to separate the powers of the attorney general and public prosecutor.

“Every position should have a term limit … this includes the prime minister’s, so we will table a Bill to limit the term of a prime minister to 10 years,” he said.