This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on October 19, 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said in order to limit the premiership tenure to two terms, some amendments will have to be made to the federal constitution.

“It will involve the constitution, so we have a number of things that involves (amending) the constitution. Some laws may have to be changed,” he told reporters after tabling the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan in Parliament yesterday.

Under the first pillar of the review to reform governance towards enhancing transparency and efficiency of public services, the tenure for the prime minister, menteri besar and chief minister will be limited to two terms. On top of that, the prime minister will not hold any other ministerial portfolios.

Dr Mahathir said he is confident that he can gain the support of some of opposition members of parliament to achieve the two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution.

“I think we can convince some of them. I think it is in their interest also to support [the amendment],” he said.

Crooked bridge is feasible, says PM

On the “crooked bridge” between Malaysia and Singapore, Dr Mahathir said reviving the project is feasible because it does not require Singapore’s approval.

However, the construction of a third bridge between the two countries is unattainable as that would require Singapore’s approval, he said, adding that the republic is unlikely to give consent.

“You want a third bridge to Singapore you will have to ask the consent of Singapore and I think Singapore may not give the consent.

“But the crooked bridge does not involve Singapore at all, so we can build the crooked bridge anytime,” he said.

He added that the government is currently looking into the viability of the project as it was suggested by the Johor government.

“This suggestion came from Johor, we will examine it,” he said.