KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negri can now serve for more than two terms after the term limit was lifted during a special state assembly sitting here, despite objections from the opposition.

The amendment, which was passed yesterday, will allow the Sabah governor to serve beyond two terms of four years each, that is widely expected to see incumbent Tun Juhar Mahiruddin’s term as governor to be extended for a third term. Juhar’s second term ends on Dec 31.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic) is expected to submit a recommendation to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for Juhar’s extension for a third four-year term following the amendment.

Shafie tabled the amendment to delete Clause 3 under Article 2 of the state Constitution that limits the period of service of the TYT to two terms.

During the debate, state opposition leader Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (Sabah STAR-Tambunan) argued that the amendment was not beneficial to the people, as this matter does not affect the rakyat nor was it of public interest.

He said issues like reverting the name of Yang di-Pertua Negri to Yang di-Pertuan Negara was more pressing to regain Sabah’s status as equal partners in the Federation of Malaysia.

Kemabong assemblyman Jamawi Jaafar said the deletion of the clause was a step towards reinstating the state’s rights according to Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Paginatan assemblyman Datuk Abidin Madingkir (Upko) said the amendment to the constitution on this matter refers back to the original MA63 which did not limit the term of a TYT.

“This is to get back what is written under MA63,” he said.

Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (PBS) disagreed, saying that there was no reason to stop the limit to a TYT’s term.

Shafie clarified that the move to lift the TYT’s term limits had nothing to do with rumoured negotiations that took place between them regarding his appointment as chief minister.

Shafie said that his appointment as chief minister on May 10 happened not because of any private deals with the TYT, but because he commanded the majority in the House.

A day after leaving Sabah Umno en bloc, five of its assemblymen voted against the proposed constitutional amendment to lift the limit on a governor’s term.

Masidi, Datuk Hajiji Noor (Sulaman–Independent) and Datuk Mohd Ariffin Arif (Membakut–Independent) were not present for the voting.

The 65-member House passed the amendments with 45 in favour, while 15 voted against, and five abstained.