PUTRAJAYA, Jan. 29 -- The federal government's proposal to limit the maximum period of a prime minister's tenure is intended to prevent abuse of power, not at undermining a capable leader currently serving in office.

Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), said the focus of the proposed constitutional amendment was not on individuals, but on ensuring that no one could claim absolute power indefinitely.

"What I am trying to say is that nobody is indispensable.

"In Malaysia we have 34 million people and if a person is a great leader, they will leave a succession plan.

"But what's important is not about limiting a person to be in power but allowing someone to abuse the p...