It was agreed upon in the days of Barisan Alternatif, which PAS was part of.
Amanah vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa has reminded PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang that the proposal to limit the prime minister’s tenure was first agreed upon during the days of Barisan Alternatif, in which PAS was a participant.
Mujahid questioned why Hadi had singled out DAP over the reform, as though the party had initiated the idea. He emphasised that the proposal aims to prevent power abuse and avoid repeating past mistakes.
“Only Allah knows why Hadi has failed to grasp the current reality. Is he trying to defend the SG4 adviser, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who ruled as prime minister for 22 years? Is it just because DAP raised the issue? Does the PAS president not know?
“Wasn’t Mahathir once called ‘MahaFiraun’ due to alleged dictatorial tendencies arising from the absence of term limits? The real solution to this issue is to restrict the PM’s tenure so that history does not repeat itself,” Mujahid said in a statement today.
Hadi, in a Facebook post yesterday, criticised those supporting DAP’s proposal, arguing that they had disregarded fundamental Islamic principles in governance.
“This responsibility (of being prime minister) is a great trust from Allah. It is not a temporary position for personal gain, nor should it be passed around for others to exploit,” Hadi said.
Mujahid countered that Malaysia needs an Islamic political approach that is more inclusive and aligned with local values.
“We need ideas that address current needs and the nation’s environment. Political organisations that are competent, dynamic, and forward-thinking are key to developing the country,” he added.
On Sunday, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke urged the government to implement promised reforms, including introducing a term limit for the prime minister. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his support for the proposal.
Hadi was not the only PAS leader to object. PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden claimed the proposal was an attempt by the “minority” to dictate the “majority” and dismantle the Constitution. Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman said the topic was open for discussion but suggested the prime minister’s position should be reserved exclusively for Muslims.
Yesterday, PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad also reminded PAS that it had previously supported the idea of limiting the PM’s tenure when it was part of the now-defunct Barisan Alternatif.