Limiting prime minister tenure in Malaysia parliamentary system of government: from a legal point of view

Malaysia Parliamentary system of government have practiced democratic governance since its first session in 1957. The Yang Di Pertuan Agong (YDPA) as the Head of State is empower by the Federal Constitution to appoint any members from Dewan Rakyat who in His Majesty judgement is likely to command the confidence of the majority members of Dewan Rakyat. Only 9 members of Dewan Rakyat have ever appointed to the position of Prime Minister since 1957 after 15 General election. Unlike Presidential system of government, which normally limit the tenure of a President to two terms of four years each, there is no limit on the tenure of any Prime Minister as long the appointment is according to the provision stipulated within Article 43 of Federal Constitution of Malaysia. The Constitution of Malaysia emphasize only two main priorities in the appointment of Prime Minister which can be summarize as the prerogative power of YDPA and the members of Parliament must hold the majority confidence of Dewan Rakyat. This practice has ensured democratic governance as its core function and confirming majority rule in Dewan Rakyat that become the main voice of people representatives. However, this practice may create another dilemma of bureaucratic polemic since it could allow any members of Parliament to clinch the power in such substantial tenure as long the members hold the confidence of the house of representative. Executive power can project immense power and the cloth of administration will enable unrelenting advantageous towards the people that wield it. This research intends to explore further the notion of limiting Prime Minister tenure in Malaysia system of government by reviewing its legality, practicality and rational. Doctrinal analysis from secondary sources is used in this research. This research found that limiting Prime Minister tenure acquire certain modification in our law and the initiative of political party. Research recommends further discussion on the tenure of Prime Minister in order to guide the law makers and public at larger of the importance of such notion.