Set clear limits on caretaker govt’s powers, says Zaliha

2026-03-02 - 07:34

There is currently no clear guidance as to what a caretaker government can and cannot do in the period between calling for elections and the formation of a new government, said Sekijang MP Dr Zaliha Mustafa. KUALA LUMPUR: Former minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa (PH-Sekijang) has called for clear rules outlining the powers of a caretaker government. Zaliha said currently there was no clear guidance as to what a caretaker prime minister and government can and cannot do in the period between calling for elections and the formation of a new government. While debating the bill to limit the prime minister’s time in office to 10 years, she said it was important to bar the government from making major financial decisions or public tenders when in a caretaker role. Zaliha added that this was critical to ensure smooth governance while the transition to a new administration takes place. The constitutional amendment bill seeks to limit an MP to holding the prime minister’s post for 10 years, whether held consecutively or not. Zaliha had proposed that the government change the limit to two terms instead, regardless of the number of years, for the sake of political stability.