Malaysia on Monday enacted a new law limiting the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of two terms, aiming to enhance accountability and prevent excessive use of executive power. According to AFP, the Southeast Asian nation previously had no fixed limit on how long a prime minister could serve. Former leader Mahathir Mohamad held office for a total of 24 years across two separate periods, from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020.

Current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the two-term limit in January as part of his broader anti-corruption and good governance agenda. His Pakatan Harapan coalition had also pledged this reform in its 2022 election manifesto. However, local media reports noted criticism over the slow pace of reforms, with some suggesting the move was intended to appeal to urban voters ahead of next year’s general election.

Anwar stated last week that the law would first apply to him, emphasizing that ten years is sufficient to serve effectively. The proposed constitutional amendment requires support from at least two-thirds of the 222-member lower house, or 148 lawmakers, to pass.