The constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister to just 10 years in office was tabled for its second reading in parliament today.  

PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the concept of term limits is common in modern democracies.  

He also told the Dewan Rakyat that the move will not dilute the prerogative powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.  

He also dismissed concerns that it would reduce the role of Parliament determining confidence in the government.

However, it will strengthen govt institutions, improve checks and balances and support long‑term reforms

Datuk Seri Anwar adds that it will also prevent any single individual from gaining too much power.  

Under the term limit proposal:  

• A Prime Minister cannot serve more than 10 years in total, whether continuous or not.
• Any time served before the law comes into effect will also count toward the limit.
• The Cabinet is automatically dissolved once a PM reaches the limit.
• However, the outgoing PM and Cabinet may stay on as a caretaker government with limited powers until a new one forms.

While debating the bill, former Cabinet minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa called for clear rules and limits for any caretaker govt.  

She says, among other things, caretaker administrations should not be allowed to make major financial decisions or call for public tenders.  

Since it involves constitutional matters, the bill will need a two-thirds majority for it to be passed. 

NGOs including BERSIH have backed the proposed amendments, and called for bipartisan support among all MPs.