Democracy, Not Divine Will, Should Decide Leadership Terms
As a Muslim woman in Parliament, I feel compelled to respond to the recent statement by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang rejecting the idea of limiting the prime minister’s tenure. He claims that such a move contradicts God’s will. This statement is not only misleading but also dangerous to the democratic foundations of our nation.
A Misleading Claim
Setting term limits is not an attack on Islam, but a safeguard against the abuse of power and ensures dynamic, progressive governance. Islamic governance is built on justice and accountability. Power is not meant to be hoarded indefinitely, let alone exploited for personal or political gain. If Hadi truly upholds Islamic principles, he should support mechanisms that prevent tyranny rather than defending a political system that enables unchecked power.
A Standard Democratic Practice
Setting a limit on a prime minister’s tenure is a standard democratic practice. It prevents power abuse, encourages leadership renewal, and ensures a system that remains fresh, competitive, and responsive to the people’s needs. History has shown that leaders who overstay their welcome tend to become detached from reality. Prolonged rule can lead to political stagnation, economic decline, and a toxic political culture where loyalty to an individual outweighs the principles of justice and good governance.
A Party’s Fear of Change
Hadi’s statement reflects PAS’s deep-seated fear of political reform. The party that once preached Islamic morality and justice now openly defends a political system that prioritizes power retention over accountability. Is this what PAS stands for today? A party that once championed good governance now defends an outdated system that concentrates power in the hands of a few? If PAS truly believes in Islamic governance, it should be the first to support leadership renewal and accountability, not resist them.
A Call for Change
As a Muslim and a leader, I believe God does not desire rulers who cannot be challenged or replaced. Islam calls for a society that is just, forward-thinking, and constantly renewing its leadership for the greater good. Leadership is not a personal right – it is a trust. And if someone is truly a great leader, they should have no fear of stepping down when the time comes.
Conclusion
Malaysia needs leaders who understand that power is not absolute, but a responsibility that must be shared and passed on when necessary. Hadi and PAS may reject this idea, but the Malaysian people will not be trapped in old politics forever. This is not just about politics – this is about our country’s future. And we cannot let outdated politicians decide that future without limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the author’s main argument?
A: The author argues that setting term limits for the prime minister is necessary to prevent power abuse and ensure dynamic governance, and that this is in line with Islamic principles of justice and accountability.
Q: What is the author’s response to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s statement?
A: The author criticizes Hadi’s statement for being misleading and dangerous to democratic foundations, and argues that it reflects PAS’s fear of political reform.
Q: What is the author’s opinion on the role of leaders in a democracy?
A: The author believes that leaders are responsible for serving the people, and that power must be shared and passed on when necessary to ensure accountability and progress.