PAKATAN Harapan deputy president Lim Guan Eng said its top leadership will discuss the term limit for chief ministers and menteris besar, after announcing its pledge to set a two-term limit for the post of prime minister last month.

“I cannot elaborate on this as we still need to discuss it (in the presidential council). I cannot speak on behalf of other component parties.

“Like for seat allocations, we can make a public announcement only after we have reached a consensus,” the DAP secretary-general told The Malaysian Insight in a recent interview when asked about the thorny topic.

Lim, who is near the end of his second term as Penang chief minister, said DAP could not implement a two-term limit in the state without consulting other PH component parties.

PH comprises DAP, Amanah, PKR and Bersatu.

“When we discuss this topic, I always emphasise that we’ll hold on to our principles, not compromise on our position. Any decision must be PH’s position,” said Lim.

Penang DAP has come under fire from outgoing Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu for not fulfilling its 2008 electoral promise to limit the tenure of chief minister to two terms.

Teh had tabled the motion twice in the state assembly, but did not get the support of other assemblymen.

His proposal has also been ridiculed by some of his party colleagues.

However, state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the matter would be discussed by PH, and Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari publicly supported the idea.

Bukit Mertajam PKR Youth chief Mohd Ikhwan Nasser Mohamad Isa has also backed the proposal.

“This will send a clear message to the people that PH is committed to fulfilling its promises.”

At its first national convention on January 7, PH announced its pledge to limit the tenure of prime minister to two terms should it win the 14th general election, which must be held by August. – February 16, 2018.