PM Term Limit, Malay Language Empowerment Dominate Dewan Rakyat Debate

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- Members of Parliament today debated the motion of thanks for the Royal Address, focusing on proposals for a two-term prime ministerial limit, empowerment of the Malay language, anti-corruption measures, and national education reforms. 

Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) called the proposed term limit a fundamental measure to strengthen democracy and secure the nation’s future, describing the move as a defence of democratic institutions and proof of the MADANI Government’s commitment to coming generations.

“This is not a minor issue or ordinary politics. It is foundational for democracy and the country’s future. It reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to safeguarding democracy while allowing the public to assess leadership fairly, based on integrity and trust,” he said during the session.

Echoing this sentiment, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) said the proposal sends a positive signal, demonstrating that political power should not revolve indefinitely around one person.

He further suggested that the roles of Prime Minister and Finance Minister should be held by separate individuals.

MPs also emphasised the need to strengthen the position of Malay as the national language, arguing its role must go beyond instruction to become a primary language of knowledge, administration and national sovereignty.

Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) called for the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka to be empowered as the mandatory language authority, with its presence expanded to the district level to act as both a regulator and guardian of the Malay language.

Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed (PN-Kuala Terengganu) added that elevating the status of the language is not optional but an obligation aligned with national education policy.

“This is not about denying diversity, but about upholding loyalty to the foundations of our nation. Embracing the national language and history is essential to forging a shared identity and unity.

“Moreover, this principle is directly linked to citizenship. Proficiency in Malay and a knowledge of history are not mere technicalities, but fundamental measures of an individual’s qualification and steadfast loyalty to Malaysia,” he said.

Education reform was another key topic, with MPs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) and Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang) stressing that the upcoming National Education Blueprint 2026–2035 requires tighter inter-ministerial coordination to ensure a cohesive direction for the education system.

Saifuddin acknowledged the blueprint as an important step forward but emphasised the need for more integrated planning between the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Higher Education to create complementary policies.

He welcomed the introduction of a four‑quadrant university model, designed to allow public universities to operate more flexibly, whether through incremental, adaptive, or transformative changes, based on their individual capacity.

“This model could significantly enhance the competitiveness of our higher education institutions and better align them with future economic and industry needs, as long as it is rolled out consistently and backed by rigorous research,” he said. 

He further called for the proposed Year Four examination to be carefully refined in its design, curriculum and implementation to support holistic student development instead of reinforcing an exam‑centric approach.

Corruption also remained in the spotlight, with several MPs, including Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang), Bakri Jamaluddin (PN-Tangga Batu), and Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu), unanimously calling for all graft cases to be investigated transparently, without regard to the position or influence of those involved.

The Dewan Rakyat will resume tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA