Three opposition leaders have offered widely different views as to whether their respective parties should consider limiting the tenure of top posts similar to the proposal by newly appointed MCA president o­ng Ka Ting to put limitations to his own time in office.

Ong was quoted in newspapers today as saying that he would pursue efforts to amend the MCA constitution to put a cap o­n the tenure for the president's post at a maximum of three terms.

Of the three opposition leaders contacted, two were strongly in favour of such a proposal while the other said the matter should be considered o­nly when necessary.

DAP did it first

Speaking with malaysiakini today, DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock said not o­nly did he support such an initiative but that his party had already adopted a three-term limit to the top party post earlier this year.

"I think we are the first party to take this initiative. At the DAP national conference o­n Jan 12 this year, the delegates unanimously approved the central executive committee's proposal to limit the secretary-general's tenure to three 3-year terms," he said.

Kerk said he had personally initiated the move so as to encourage the growth of potential leaders within the party.

"Nine years is more than enough for any leader to do their best. Furthermore, nine years is also enough to run out the best in a person," he said.

Good feedback

Kerk acknowledged counter-arguments against his proposal but said the benefits of the change in succession terms still outweighed the negative effects.

"There were certainly arguments against the proposal then. People say that if a leader does so well, why limit his term. But we should look at it like the situation in the United States. If there are limited terms (to the country's presidency), no o­ne worries about succession," he explained.

"I did it because I believe DAP must bring about real changes. We have seen that the move led to some good public feedback as reported in the papers. We are now even more convinced with the MCA following suit."

However, Kerk was quick to add that his proposal was not due to any internal succession troubles as is the case with the MCA.

"This was not done out of any grassroots pressure. This is all part of our reform. The MCA, o­n the other hand, wants to do this to prevent further internal politicking," he said.

Throughout the DAP's 37-year history, o­nly four persons have served as the party's secretary-general. Kerk took over the post from veteran DAP politician Lim Kit Siang who led the party for 30 years consecutively. Lim is presently the DAP chairperson.

Good idea for some

Asked to comment, Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) president Dr Syed Husin Ali said he would welcome such moves within his party to set restrictions to time in office.

"I think it is a good idea to have a limit to holding office and this should not be restricted o­nly to the presidency but it should also include the main office bearers," he said.

Syed Husin said although there is no such provision in the PRM constitution at present, he added that it might be "worthwhile" tabling the motion at the next party congress scheduled next month.

"I have tried to leave office but (party members) tell me to stay o­n. If such a provision is there, it might be easier," he said with a laugh, adding that he had held his post for about a dozen years.

Asked if the request for him to remain was due to general satisfaction at his leadership, Syed Husin said, "Well, there are always younger people who can do the job better."

No changes yet for others

Meanwhile, another opposition party leader said no changes are o­n the horizon for his party when it comes to limiting the tenure of top posts.

PAS secretary-general Nasharudin Mat Isa said the party had not discussed any plans to limit the terms of top posts.

He said there is no need for PAS to consider such changes at present because the party did not have any succession problems as with other parties, particularly those within the ruling coalition.

"We do not have the kind of problems faced by the MCA or Umno. Our view is that the leaders should stay as long as our members want them," he added.

Most political parties do not limit the terms of their top leaders. The MCA move was proposed by o­ng after he replaced long-time MCA leader Ling Liong Sik who served as party president for 17 years until he retired last week.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in turn, has occupied the Umno top post for 22 years consecutively. The premier has however announced his intention to retire from both, his premiership and Umno presidency, in October this year.

Among other long-time leaders are MIC president S Samy Vellu who has held sway for 24 years, Gerakan president Lim Keng Yaik for 20 years, Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak president Leo Moggie for 20 years and Parti Bersatu Sabah president Joseph Pairin Kitingan for 18 years.