Two-term limit unsuitable for Malaysia

• Main Authors: Ammar Redza, Ahmad Rizal, Sarah Hafizah, Chandra
• Format: Magazine and Newsletter
• Language: English
• Published: New Sarawak Tribune 2021
• Subjects: JA Political science (General)
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/36075/1/Two-term%20limit%20unsuitable%20for%20Malaysia%20-%20New%20Sarawak%20Tribune_22Aug2021.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/36075/

While the suggestion for elected representatives (MPs) to have a two-term limit is a good idea, it may be currently unsuitable for the democratic system in Malaysia. In pointing this out, academician Dr Ammar Redza Ahmad Rizal from the Faculty of language and Communication, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) said the suggestion could, however, be implemented in the appointment of the prime minister and other ministerial positions. He said that limiting the executive power to only two terms could attract more progressive minds amongst the MPs and translate to better policy making. “Theoretically, the democratic system provides a check and balance in electing therepresentatives. Good MPs will be rewarded by being re-elected while bad MPs will losethe election. It is a system where the people are given the power to decide freely and democratically. “In my opinion, the idea of limiting MPs to only two terms is currently unsuitable because our system is much alike with the United Kingdom’s Westminster system. There is no legislation that limits MPs’ terms in the House of Common. “If it is implemented for the appointment of the prime minister and other ministerial positions, it will also limit and disincentivise the idea of legacy that we have seen previously.