27/07/2025

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday JULY 27, 2025

Move to limit PM’s tenure to two terms under study

M’sia monitoring tensions at Thai Cambodia border PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is closely monitoring ongoing tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said gunfire has continued despite both countries’ assurance to de-escalate tensions. “Both the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia have made statements and contacted me personally to express appreciation,” he said during a media conference at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday. “I have instructed Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to reach out, and I will personally intervene if necessary. At the very least, stop the shooting first and continue talks.” He also expressed gratitude to the Federation of Thai Industries, which voiced concern over the impact of the border conflict on regional trade. The conflict centres on overlapping claims near the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temple areas. While the International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia’s favour in 2013, recent violence reportedly began after a Cambodian soldier was killed by a landmine in May, triggering artillery exchanges and evacuations. In a post on his Facebook page, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said he agreed to the ceasefire because Cambodia did not initiate the fighting. “The key to resolving the current armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is the genuine willingness of the Thai side to accept a ceasefire, which is the first step towards finding further solutions between the two countries.” Manet said there is unclear reporting by various international media regarding the proposed ceasefire talks initiated by Anwar, the current Asean chair. He said he only agreed to the ceasefire after hearing from Anwar that Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had agreed to peace talks. “However, it is regrettable that just over an hour later, the Thai side said they had reversed their position from agreeing to the ceasefire,” said Manet. On another matter, Anwar responded to remarks by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan questioning the handling of a special task force report on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. “He should follow the process, he hasn’t even read the report,” said Anwar. The task force, chaired by a former chief justice, had recommended action over alleged betrayal of the nation. “Despite the seriousness of the offence, given Tun’s condition, we proposed not to pursue it further,” Anwar added. –By Faiz Ruzman

Cabinet has acknowledged proposal involves amendments to Federal Constitution and discretionary powers of King, says minister Ű BY MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

in office during his first tenure (1981-2003). Setting a two-term limit for the prime minister has long been a pledge of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. In December 2019, the PH government led by Mahathir tabled a Bill to amend the Constitution and introduce the reform. However, the Bill was withdrawn in August 2020 after a unanimous Cabinet decision made under the administration of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The proposal resurfaced in September 2021, when then prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob agreed to introduce a 10-year limit in exchange for opposition support for his government. A draft Bill was reportedly ready for tabling in February 2022, but it never materialised, as Parliament was dissolved in October that year ahead of the 15th general election. “We want to ensure that students, especially those in Form 3 and Form 4 who show remarkable potential this year, are given equal opportunities to be trained and supported through this academy. “This will be one of the key agendas leading into next year’s 51st edition of the Piala Perdana Menteri Debate.” She said the ministry is also looking at the potential for future expansion beyond residential schools through related platforms such as Debat Madani. Fadhlina also announced that the Bahasa Melayu debate trophy, used since the inception of the competition in 1974, would be retired and handed to the National Archives and a new trophy contributed by Anwar would be introduced in 2026. In the 50th edition of the debate, Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan Kajang won in the Bahasa Melayu category, defeating SBP Integrasi Sabak Bernam, while Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah claimed victory over Sekolah Menengah Sains Muar in the English category .

holistic consideration as it includes obtaining the views and agreement of various stakeholders such as state governments and political parties at federal and state levels. She said the matter is still under consideration by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had expressed support for a call by DAP to amend the Constitution to limit the tenure of the premier to 10 years, or two terms. However, he said it was important to secure the support of all parties. To date, only two of Malaysia’s 10 prime ministers have served for more than 10 years – the first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman (1955 1969) and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who holds the record as the longest-serving prime minister, with 22 years

limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two parliamentary terms, or a maximum of 10 years. “The Cabinet has acknowledged that this proposal involves amendments to the Federal Constitution and touches upon the discretionary powers of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” she said in a parliamentary written reply to Hassan Abdul Karim (PH Pasir Gudang). Hassan had asked the government when it would table the amendment to the Constitution to limit the term of the prime minister. Azalina said the amendment requires a thorough and

PUTRAJAYA: The government yesterday launched the Akademi Bahas Madani, a national-level training initiative aimed at strengthening the debate culture in fully residential schools and cultivating students’ critical thinking, intellectual discipline and ethical argumentation. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the 50th edition of the Piala Perdana Menteri Debate held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. The initiative will be implemented immediately at 72 “Sekolah Berasrama Penuh” nationwide. “I was very impressed not only with the fluency and confidence of the students but also their knowledge, mastery of language and respectful conduct. “Shouldn’t our MPs take lessons from all of you? The students are firm, articulate, full of substance and yet, they debate politely. “We must train our students PETALING JAYA: Putrajaya is studying a two-term limit for the post of prime minister, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She said a preliminary report on the proposal had been presented to the Cabinet on March 19. “The government is always open and committed to examining any proposal involving improvements to the country’s administrative and governance systems, including Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Academy to strengthen debate culture launched

Anwar with students of Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan Kajang, who won in the Bahasa Melayu category in the debate held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Sidek said the newly established academy would serve as a platform for structured, long term training, with a focus on intellectual empowerment and critical reasoning.

not only to reach for the skies in terms of knowledge and technology but also to remain grounded in character, culture and identity.” Education Minister Fadhlina

No Malaysians involved in Russian plane crash PUTRAJAYA: No Malaysians

this time of profound sorrow.” The aircraft reportedly went down during its final approach to Tynda Airport, killing all 42 passengers and six crew members. – Bernama

condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragedy. “Malaysia stands in solidarity with the government and people of the Russian Federation during

This was confirmed by the Malaysian Embassy in Moscow, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “The ministry extends its deepest sympathies and heartfelt

were on board Angara Airlines Flight 2G2311, which crashed during its final approach to Tynda Airport in Russia’s far-eastern Amur Oblast on July 24.