Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil says the bill to cap the Prime Minister’s term at 10 years can be reintroduced in upcoming parliamentary sessions.
CYBERJAYA: A motion to reintroduce a constitutional amendment bill limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years can be retabled at any time during the next parliamentary sittings, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.
He confirmed there are two more parliamentary meetings scheduled this year, around June and October, where the government can bring the bill back for consideration.
Fahmi stressed that the bill carries no personal implications for the government or Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, countering suggestions that its failure signalled support for a longer term.
“This is about placing limits and restrictions on the Prime Minister’s term, and it should be viewed as institutional reform aimed at strengthening governance and accountability,” he stated.
He noted that all Pakatan Harapan bloc representatives were present and voted in favour of the amendment during yesterday’s bloc voting.
However, eight government MPs were absent, including three from Barisan Nasional and one each from Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, and Parti Bangsa Malaysia, along with two independents.
Fahmi said instructions had been issued for all government MPs to attend, and those absent must explain themselves to their respective party chief whips and the government chief whip.
“The Chief Whip, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, asked about it and his expression clearly showed dissatisfaction that some government MPs were still absent despite instructions,” he added.
He also observed that 44 opposition MPs who were present but abstained demonstrated an unwillingness to support the tenure restrictions.
The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 failed yesterday to secure the required two-thirds majority, with 146 MPs voting in favour, 32 absent, and 44 abstaining.
Any amendment to the Federal Constitution requires the support of at least 148 MPs in the Dewan Rakyat.