Nga: PM tenure cap and AG–prosecutor split mark latest step in MADANI reform drive

LocalPolitics
22 Feb 2026 • 2:38 PM MYT
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MALAYSIA is set to table constitutional amendments that would cap the Prime Minister’s tenure at 10 years and formally separate the powers of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor, in what the government describes as a major milestone in its institutional reform agenda.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the first reading of the amendment Bill will be presented in Parliament tomorrow, with the second and third readings scheduled for 2 and 3 March.

If approved, Malaysia would become the first country practising the Westminster parliamentary system to impose a fixed maximum tenure on its Prime Minister.

“Previously, only countries practising the presidential system such as the United States, Indonesia, Taiwan and the Philippines have had a two-term limit, but for the Prime Ministerial system, Malaysia will be the first.

“This proves that Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto promises are being fulfilled one by one,” he said when met at the Perak Chinese Assembly Hall Chinese New Year celebration on Sunday.

Nga, who is also Deputy National Chairman of the Democratic Action Party, said the proposed amendments to Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution would ensure that prosecutorial authority is exercised independently, free from any potential conflict of interest.

Under the changes, the Attorney General would continue to serve as the Government’s legal adviser, while prosecution powers would be transferred fully to a separate Public Prosecutor’s Office.

He noted that this would be the fourth constitutional amendment introduced under the MADANI administration.

Earlier reforms included the passage of the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2024 relating to citizenship, which will come into force on 1 June, as well as measures to strengthen the separation of powers among the legislature, executive and judiciary through the Parliamentary Services Act.

“Four constitutional amendments clearly show that reform is taking root and that Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto commitments are being implemented step by step for the benefit of the people,” he said.

Separately, Nga cited the early impact of stricter enforcement against minor littering offences introduced on 1 January.

A total of 755 individuals have been detained, with 478 charged in court and 15 ordered to carry out community service such as sweeping streets and collecting rubbish.

“Many have expressed regret and promised not to litter again. This is a lesson. The law is educational in nature, not punitive.

“We want the public to be more aware and responsible about cleanliness. The country has been independent for 70 years — surely we know where to dispose of rubbish,” he said.

In a further development, Nga, who is also Kepayang state assemblyman, said 17 families in the constituency were recently affected by floods and storms.

His service team visited the affected households the following day and distributed RM23,000 in emergency financial assistance - February 22, 2026