The Sarawak government has not yet decided whether to limit the tenure of the premier’s post to two terms or a maximum of five years, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information Chief made the remark when asked about Sarawak’s stance following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that the federal government plans to table a Bill this month to set a maximum term for the prime minister’s post.
“Well, that depends on the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg) and GPS’ (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) leadership. At the moment, it remains status quo,” said the Asajaya assemblyman.
On a personal note, Abdul Karim expressed mixed views on limiting the prime minister’s tenure. He argued that if a leader is capable, brings progress, and maintains stability, limiting their term could be counterproductive.
“Why must we restrict the tenure to two terms or 10 years? If a leader is not capable, the party and the people will naturally find ways to bring about change,” he said.
Abdul Karim also referenced global examples, noting that China and Russia once had two-term limits for their leaders but later removed them.
He added that the two-term proposal is largely political, pointing out that Prime Minister Anwar’s pledge stems from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) manifesto from the last general election in 2022.
“Personally, I am okay with a prime minister leading beyond 10 years. A good leader is not easy to find. History has shown that nations thrive when great leaders serve for extended periods,” he said.
During a New Year’s special assembly in Putrajaya, Anwar reaffirmed his reform pledge, stating that the Bill to limit the prime minister’s term to 10 years would likely be tabled at the upcoming Parliament sitting at the end of January.
He also mentioned 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.
