The government remains optimistic that the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, which seeks to cap the Prime Minister’s tenure at 10 years, will secure approval in the next parliamentary session.
Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Government Whip, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, cited backing from the majority of MPs as the basis for this confidence. The bill fell short of the required two-thirds majority last Monday, receiving 146 votes in favour, with 32 MPs absent and 44 abstaining.
Fadillah noted that most of the MPs who were absent had previously expressed support, either through official letters or verbal confirmation. “Some were stranded abroad due to flight issues… except Bukit Gantang’s Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, who opposed it, all others supported the bill,” he said.
MADANI Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the bill will be tabled again in the Dewan Rakyat this June, following approval at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Fadillah emphasised that the amendment reflects the government’s commitment to administrative reforms while clarifying it does not alter the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Malay Rulers.
Passing a constitutional amendment requires the backing of at least two-thirds of MPs, equivalent to 148 votes in Parliament.
