KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 – A DAP leader has reminded PAS that the party had previously supported limiting the prime minister’s tenure to two terms, despite its current opposition to the proposal.
Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali pointed out that PAS had supported similar proposals in 1999 and 2004, despite its president Abdul Hadi Awang now arguing that such limits contradict divine will.
Sheikh Umar also urged Hadi to “fight against his own forgetfulness” rather than changing his stance for political convenience.
“PAS supported this proposal when it was part of the Barisan Alternatif coalition in 1999, alongside DAP, Parti Keadilan Nasional (now PKR), and Parti Rakyat Malaysia,” he said.
He further noted that PAS and PKR reaffirmed their support for the term limit before the 2004 general election, even after DAP exited the coalition in 2001.
“There were no religious objections at that time, but now that PAS opposes it, a thousand justifications are being made,” he added.
Yesterday, Hadi criticised DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook’s proposal to amend the Federal Constitution to enforce a two-term limit for the prime ministership, which Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has endorsed.
In a Facebook post, Hadi stated that leadership is a sacred trust from Allah, not a temporary position to be handed over for personal gain.
The Marang MP further cited Islamic caliphs throughout history, who served until their deaths, fulfilling their duties with unwavering commitment.
