Kuching: DAPSY Sarawak Secretary George Lam has welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that the government will move to amend the Federal Constitution to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to two terms, describing it as a major step forward for Malaysia’s democratic development.
Lam said the announcement demonstrated the Unity Government’s firm commitment to institutional reform and its determination to fulfil the reform agenda outlined in its election manifesto.
“Limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure to no more than ten years or two terms was one of Pakatan Harapan’s key reform pledges in the previous general election, and it represents a crucial step forward in Malaysia’s democratic development.
“The core objective of this reform is to prevent the excessive concentration of power in the hands of a single individual for too long, thereby reducing, at the institutional level, the risks of corruption, abuse of power, and maladministration,” he said in a statement.
He cited the conviction of former Prime Minister Najib Razak by the High Court on multiple counts of abuse of power and money laundering as a reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked power.
“When power is overly concentrated and insufficiently checked, corruption and abuse inevitably follow. For this reason, imposing a term limit on the Prime Minister is not only necessary, but urgent,” he said.
Lam added that the Prime Minister’s announcement reflected the MADANI Government’s political will to push through institutional reforms, while showing its readiness to listen to public aspirations and strengthen governance and institutional integrity.
“These reforms will gradually help Malaysia move away from the long-standing perception of corruption, towards a system of governance that is fairer, cleaner and more transparent,” he said.
He also welcomed the government’s plan to table a Prosecution Separation Bill, which will separate the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor.
Lam, who is also Special Assistant to Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, said the move would ensure prosecutorial independence and prevent executive interference in judicial processes.
“This is a major institutional reform with far-reaching implications for the rule of law in Malaysia, reinforcing the principle of separation of powers and safeguarding judicial independence,” he said.
On education, Lam noted that the Prime Minister had met long-standing expectations of the Chinese community by increasing funding for Chinese primary schools from RM50 million in 2025 to RM80 million in 2026.
He said the increase demonstrated the Unity Government’s commitment to supporting Chinese education, preserving Malaysia’s multicultural character, and strengthening social unity.
“The increased funding will enable schools to improve teaching and learning environments, enhance education quality, and strengthen infrastructure,” he said.
Lam also highlighted the Prime Minister’s announcements on assistance for low- and middle-income groups, including the 2026 Basic Necessities Assistance (SARA), which will be credited into beneficiaries’ MyKad beginning Jan 9, and the Cash Assistance (STR), which will be disbursed to bank accounts from Jan 20.
In addition, all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a special RM100 SARA assistance through their MyKad on Feb 9.
He said the measures reflected improved efficiency in the delivery of government assistance, particularly as they coincide with the Lunar New Year celebrations and preparations for the month of Ramadan.
“These assistance measures will help ease the cost-of-living burden across communities,” he said.
Lam concluded by saying he was encouraged by the Prime Minister’s announcements at the start of the new year, describing them as a reflection of the Unity Government’s commitment to exercising power in the service of the people while advancing meaningful reforms and safeguarding the welfare of all communities.
