At DAP Congress, Anwar supports 10-year PM limit, says ‘22 years ruins the nation’

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his support for limiting a Malaysian prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years. However, he noted that implementing this reform would require securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament to amend the Federal Constitution.

Speaking at the 18th DAP National Congress in Shah Alam, Anwar was responding to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who urged for the reform to be implemented within the next two years.

“I agree with capping the prime minister’s tenure at 10 years, because we know that 22 years would rosak negara (damage the country),” Anwar said.

While he did not elaborate on his reference to 22 years, it is widely known that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad served as prime minister for 22 years during his first tenure.

Anwar emphasized the need for political consensus, stating, “I agree, but we are working on securing support from all parties to achieve a two-thirds majority. Don’t worry—if it’s me, there’s no chance of exceeding 10 years. Even two years have been exhausting.”

He added that not only he but also his party, PKR, and the broader Pakatan Harapan coalition support the term limit. However, he stressed the importance of negotiations with MPs to ensure enough backing before tabling the amendment.

Anwar warned against pushing the proposal in Parliament without sufficient support, saying the federal Opposition cannot be relied upon to maintain a consistent stance.

Acknowledging that some Pakatan Harapan reform promises, including the 10-year prime ministerial limit, have yet to be fulfilled, Anwar clarified that his powers are not absolute.

“If it were solely up to me, I would approve it tomorrow. But I’m not a dictator. Any decision, especially one that involves amending the Federal Constitution, requires two-thirds consensus,” he said.