NEWS | Can The PM Term Limits Bill Still Be Passed?
·2 min
The episode opens with the news that a bill to limit the Prime Minister's term in office failed to secure a two-thirds majority, missing by just two votes. It notes that 44 MPs abstained and 32 were absent, including government backbenchers. Political analyst Dr. Oweisan suggests the government either miscalculated support or was too relaxed with party discipline. Government spokesman Dato' Kfamifazo states the bill is not dead and can be retabled in future parliamentary sittings. The communications minister expects the next tabling in June. Dr. Owe adds that while rare, it's possible to retable a failed bill, possibly next year, with no hard rule against it. Meanwhile, the electoral reform group Berset criticizes opposition MPs for abstaining, with its chairman questioning their reasoning as the bill was for the country's best interests. Opposition MPs had raised concerns about affecting the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's prerogative powers. Dr. Owe casts doubt on these reasons, calling them excuses and noting the opposition believes the bill should be part of wider political reform. The episode concludes by specifying the proposal limits a prime minister to 10 years total service. The format is a news report with analyst commentary, focusing on political dynamics and procedural details. Recurring themes include government accountability, opposition skepticism, and constitutional amendment processes. Key moments include the vote breakdown, analyst critiques, and the debate over retabling.
