GEORGE TOWN: Penang created history today by becoming the first state in the country to table and pass a motion setting a two-term limit for the Chief Ministership.
Tabled on the last day of the state legislative assembly sitting, 33 assemblymen voted for the motion, while three opposition members abstained – thus allowing it to pass with a two-thirds majority.
Four assemblymen were absent.
Before voting began, Pakatan Harapan (PH) representatives debated in support of the motion.
State opposition leader Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor (BN-Sungai Dua) said that he also agreed with the motion.
“However, as a representative from the opposition pact, I have decided to abstain from voting,” he said.
Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (Pas-Penaga), on the other hand, said that the term-limiting effort is unnecessary.
He said that the capabilities of a person to lead the state are more important, and that his or her time to govern should not be limited.
“As long as the person in office is free from scandal, then (the matter of) how long the person holds power (is irrelevant),” he added.
After the motion was passed, an amendment to the state constitution’s provision for the executive council was made with the insertion of an additional sub-clause 7(A)(ii).
The amended clause reads: “a member of the Legislative Assembly may be appointed as Chief Minister if they have not at any time held the position for two terms.”
In his winding up speech to the motion, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that efforts to amend the state constitution are in line with PH’s promise made before the 14th general election (GE14).
“It is an unprecedented decision. We hope this will restore the faith of the people in the government that political parties can be trusted (to) fulfil their promises.
“I am not sure if other states will follow suit, but I hope the federal government will follow (our lead),” he added.
The initiative to limit the tenure of the Penang chief minister was launched and spearheaded two years ago by former DAP member and Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu – but he was thwarted on numerous occasions.
He was ridiculed and slammed by his own party members for the move, which eventually led to his leaving the party before the GE14.