KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 – A proposed constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to 10 years failed in the Dewan Rakyat today after falling two votes short of the required two-thirds majority.
The Bill secured 146 votes out of 222, missing the 148-vote threshold needed to amend the Federal Constitution. Johari Abdul announced that 32 Members of Parliament were absent, while 44 present members did not cast their votes, prompting cheers from Opposition lawmakers.
The setback was unexpected as the unity government holds more than two-thirds support. Opposition MPs argued the amendment could undermine the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim insisted it would not affect royal prerogatives.
Law Minister Azalina Othman Said said the Bill focused solely on term limits, not portfolio segregation.
