The Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Monday that his government intends to implement a series of institutional reforms this year and next, including a two-term limit for the prime minister. This initiative comes amid renewed pressure to strengthen the fight against corruption and improve governance in the country.
Speaking to senior officials in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar Ibrahim He indicated that his team would introduce a bill in Parliament to cap the term of Prime Ministers at a maximum of ten years. This measure was among the key commitments of the ruling coalition during the 2022 elections.
"Everyone has a limited term of office. If we are given enough time to accomplish our mission, it is better to pass the torch to the next generation," said the head of government, stressing the need for regular political renewal.
Anwar also announced the upcoming introduction of a bill aimed at separating the role of the Attorney General as the government's chief legal advisor from that of head of the public prosecutor's office. This reform seeks to address recurring criticisms of the office's lack of independence, as Attorneys General are appointed by the Prime Minister, fueling suspicions of political interference.
The government also plans to introduce an ombudsman law to strengthen transparency in the public sector and create a formal mechanism for citizens to file governance-related complaints. A freedom of information law is also under consideration, aimed at preventing abuses of power in government projects.
Having come to power in 2022 on a platform focused on fighting corruption, Anwar Ibrahim nevertheless faces persistent criticism accusing him of not having fulfilled all of his reform promises. His commitment to cleaning up public life remains under close scrutiny, as these new announcements are seen as a test of his political will to bring about lasting change in Malaysian institutions.
