KUCHING, Jan 6 2026: Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen has expressed his wish that the tenure of the premier in office be limited to two terms or 10 years, just like what has been proposed for the post of prime minister.
“As a Sarawakian, I also look forward to a day when similar provision will be included in the Constitution of the State of Sarawak,” he said in a statement.
Chong was commenting on an announcement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that the tenure of the prime minister be limited to two terms or 10 years.
He said the Sarawak DAP welcomes the tenure of two-term or 10-year limit for the prime minister, saying that it will be a systemic check on the unlimited power of the sitting prime minister.
He said it also shows the resolve of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to institute reforms in the country’s system.
“It will also be a first of its kind in the Westminster systems throughout the world,” Chong, who is also the Stampin MP, said.
He said the proposal is one of the agendas of the Pakatan Harapan, saying that its is to curtail the power of the prime minister.
He added had this provision been in existence earlier, many of the wrongdoings and damage by former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad would have been avoided and the 1MDB scandal would most likely not exist.
“The idea of one’s prime ministership will only last for 10 years maximum, coupled with the precedents of an ex-prime minister being convicted for corruption are effective check on one’s greed sitting in that position,” he said.
Chong said the Sarawak DAP is looking forward to the tabling of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Federal Constitution to limit the tenure of the prime minister to two terms or 10 years.
“As this will involve an amendment to the Federal Constitution, it will require a two-thirds majority of support in the Dewan Rakyat,” he said, assuring that all the DAP MPs will support the Bill.
According to Anwar, the Bill would be tabled this year to limit the tenure of the prime minister.
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