Anthony Loke has voiced deep regret after the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, aimed at limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure to 10 years, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general said the party had made a concerted effort to push forward the reform agenda, with all 40 of its Members of Parliament present in the House to support the proposed amendment. He stressed that institutional reform remains a key aspiration for many Malaysians.
Under parliamentary rules, constitutional amendments require the backing of at least 148 MPs physically present in the chamber. However, the motion received 146 votes in favour — falling short by just two votes of the two-thirds threshold.
Loke, who also serves as Transport Minister, said civil society groups and voters who are keen to see stronger institutional reforms should question and hold accountable those MPs who were absent or did not support the amendment, including members of the opposition bloc.
Earlier, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul announced that the division saw 146 MPs voting in favour, 32 absent and 44 abstaining.
The outcome highlights the continuing challenges in advancing constitutional reforms, despite public discourse on the need to strengthen governance and accountability within Malaysia’s political system.
