GEORGE TOWN: In what is believed to be the first in the country, a Bill to limit an elected representative from being appointed as Chief Minister to no more than two terms was tabled and passed at the state legislative assembly.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pic) tabled the motion to the loud thumping of tables at the state legislative assembly here on Friday (Nov 16).

Chow said the state Pakatan Harapan leadership had included this issue in its state manifesto for GE14.

"This follows the promise made during the GE14 campaign of as part of Pakatan's 12th manifesto, to limit the tenure of the prime minister and mentri besar to two terms.

"The state government places utmost importance in creating a new political system which fulfils its promises made during GE14.

"The reason for limiting the tenure to two terms is not only to create a check-and-balance (system) but will also ensure there is no abuse of power and to institutionalise a mechanism in the administrative system to create leadership renewal.

"The state government will make history by becoming the first state in the country to limit the tenure of electing a chief minister to two terms.

"Therefore an amendment to the state constitution's provision for the executive council needs to be made, by inserting an additional sub-clause 7(A)(ii).

Chow read out the additional line, which says "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".