The Malaysian government is set to roll out a raft of institutional reforms this year and next, including a proposed ten years limit (two-term) for prime ministers, aimed at strengthening democratic accountability and curbing the prolonged concentration of executive power.
The move comes amid renewed calls for far-reaching changes to combat corruption and improve governance.
Speaking at a meeting with ministers and senior civil servants on Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that his administration will table a parliamentary bill to cap the tenure of future prime ministers at a maximum of 10 years.
He noted that the proposed legislation forms part of the reform agenda outlined in the ruling coalition’s 2022 election manifesto and is aimed at strengthening democratic governance and leadership renewal.
Ibrahim explained that the measure reflects the principle that leadership should be time-bound, allowing sufficient opportunity for an administration to implement its policies while ensuring a structured transition to a new generation of leaders once that period has elapsed.
He emphasised that institutionalising term limits would help entrench accountability and prevent the concentration of power.
In addition, the Prime Minister disclosed that the government will also introduce a bill to reform the legal framework governing the office of the attorney-general.
The proposed legislation, he said seeks to separate the attorney-general’s role as the government’s chief legal adviser from the function of public prosecutor, a move intended to enhance transparency, independence, and public confidence in the justice system.
“Both bills are expected to be presented when Parliament reconvenes for its first sitting of the year later this month, marking a significant step in the government’s broader reform drive.
“The independence of Malaysia’s attorneys-general has often been questioned as they are appointed by the prime minister, prompting concerns about political interference in the judicial process.
“The government also aims to introduce an ombudsman law to strengthen transparency in the public sector and provide the public with a formal channel to raise governance complaints,” Ibrahim stressed.
He further disclosed that a Freedom of Information law has also been proposed, aimed at curbing abuse of power and promoting greater transparency and accountability in the execution of government projects.
