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A PROPOSED constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years does not in any way diminish the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, according to the chairman of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH), Faisal Abdul Aziz.
The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, seeks to restrict the cumulative tenure of a Prime Minister to 10 years, whether consecutive or otherwise.
Opposition lawmakers have called for the Bill to be deferred, claiming it could encroach upon the King’s constitutional authority.
Faisal rejected that interpretation, pointing out that the office of Prime Minister is itself a constitutional position governed by Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution, which sets out the procedures for appointment and the scope of responsibilities.
He noted that Article 43(2)(a) clearly stipulates the process by which the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints a Prime Minister, demonstrating that specific constitutional conditions already exist in relation to the office.
Faisal further observed that Article 159(1) provides that the Constitution may be amended, underscoring that the Federal Constitution is a living document that evolves with the times.
While Article 159(5) protects certain entrenched provisions from amendment, including matters relating to Islam, special privileges, the national language and citizenship, he stressed that Article 43 does not fall within those protected categories.
“Therefore, an amendment to Article 43 cannot be interpreted as affecting the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Conference of Rulers, as it is not enshrined under Article 159(5),” he said in a post on X today.
Responding directly to opposition concerns, Faisal added that the purpose of amending Article 43 is to prevent prolonged concentration of power in the hands of a single Prime Minister, not to curtail royal authority.
“Thus, this amendment represents a leap forward in institutional reform and should not be politicised by any party,” he said.
He also referred to the Royal Address delivered by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the Opening of Parliament on 19 January, in which His Majesty expressed clear support for limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure to 10 years.
“This address makes it clear that there is no issue of conflict between this amendment and the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
The Bill, tabled at first reading by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, is expected to be presented for second reading next week.
According to the Bill, a new Clause (2A) will be inserted into Article 43, providing that a Prime Minister appointed under Article 43(2)(a) may not hold office for an aggregate period exceeding 10 years.
Additional clauses under Article 43 would stipulate that the Prime Minister shall cease to hold office upon reaching that cumulative limit. - February 27, 2026