Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Warns Against Rushing Constitutional Amendment Proposal
SHAH ALAM:
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed support for DAP’s call to amend the Federal Constitution to limit the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years or two terms. Anwar, the president of PKR, and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, are also in favor of this proposal, but emphasized the need for dialogue with other parties on the matter.
"I agree with the proposal, but we need to negotiate and secure support from all parties to reach a consensus," Anwar said during his speech at DAP’s 18th national congress. "Don’t worry. If it were me, I wouldn’t even last 10 years. It has only been two years and I’m already exhausted."
Anwar cautioned against rushing such an amendment without securing the necessary votes, warning that tabling a bill without adequate support would be futile. "Some opposition members may try to shift the narrative, but PH is firmly behind this (move to limit the prime minister’s tenure)," he said.
DAP’s Proposal for Constitutional Amendment
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook reiterated the party’s call for another major institutional reform promised by PH – separating the roles of the Attorney-General and the Public Prosecutor. Loke also proposed creating four new central executive council positions: parliamentary chief, strategic director, policy director, and election director.
He emphasized the need to ensure DAP’s voice remains independent in Dewan Rakyat by appointing the parliamentary chief from among non-administration members. Loke also proposed setting up an evaluation mechanism to make candidate selection more transparent and systematic.
DAP’s Internal Reforms
Loke outlined several internal reforms for DAP, including:
- Creating four new central executive council positions: parliamentary chief, strategic director, policy director, and election director
- Appointing the parliamentary chief from among non-administration members to ensure DAP’s voice remains independent in Dewan Rakyat
- Setting up an evaluation mechanism to make candidate selection more transparent and systematic
- Making the Wanita DAP chief a permanent member of the candidate selection committee
- Enforcing the party’s 30% women candidate quota for the next general election (GE16)
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and DAP have expressed support for the proposal to limit the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years or two terms. However, Anwar emphasized the need for dialogue and securing support from all parties to reach a consensus. DAP’s internal reforms aim to ensure the party’s independence and transparency in candidate selection.
FAQs
- What is the proposal to limit the prime minister’s tenure?
The proposal aims to limit the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years or two terms. - What is DAP’s stance on this proposal?
DAP is in favor of the proposal and has called for the government to amend the Federal Constitution to include a two-term limit for the prime ministership. - What are the internal reforms proposed by DAP?
DAP has proposed creating four new central executive council positions, ensuring the parliamentary chief is appointed from among non-administration members, setting up an evaluation mechanism for candidate selection, making the Wanita DAP chief a permanent member of the candidate selection committee, and enforcing the party’s 30% women candidate quota for the next general election.