The proposal to limit the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years, or two full terms, has been hailed as a “game changer” capable of reforming Malaysia’s governance system, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the initiative was proposed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a special Cabinet meeting yesterday and received unanimous support from all Cabinet members.
The deputy prime minister emphasized that term limits are crucial to prevent leadership fatigue and avoid a prime minister “overstaying his or her welcome,” even if performance is strong.
“This is a good step proposed by the prime minister himself. No matter how well one performs, staying too long can lead to a saturation effect,” Zahid told reporters after delivering the ministry’s 2026 New Year message.
In his New Year’s address, Anwar announced that a bill capping the prime minister’s tenure at 10 years or two full terms will be tabled in the next parliamentary session, beginning Jan. 19. The legislation is one of four key bills slated for Parliament this year.
