Two key governance bills, separating the AG and Public Prosecutor and capping the PM’s term, were tabled in Parliament for first reading on Monday.
KUALA LUMPUR: Two significant constitutional bills were tabled for their first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
The bills propose the separation of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor roles and impose a term limit on the Prime Minister.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced the legislative schedule.
The second reading for the separation of powers bill is set for March 2.
The Prime Minister’s Office Term Limit Bill will have its second reading on March 3, to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Azalina said the proposed separation aims to reinforce institutional independence and promote transparency.
“Among the key proposals are the appointment of the Public Prosecutor by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at his discretion,” she said.
This appointment would follow a recommendation from the Judicial and Legal Service Commission and consultation with the Conference of Rulers.
The bill clarifies the Public Prosecutor will hold a rank equal to the Attorney General.
Proposed requirements include at least 10 years of litigation experience and a fixed seven-year term.
On the term limit bill, Azalina said the Prime Minister’s tenure is capped at a maximum of 10 years.
This limit is calculated cumulatively over a lifetime, whether terms are served consecutively or not.
Once a Prime Minister reaches the 10-year limit and vacates office, the Cabinet will also stand dissolved.
The bill provides for a transition period where the outgoing PM and Cabinet act as caretakers.
Their functions would be confined to day-to-day administration until a new Prime Minister is appointed.
Azalina said both bills have received Cabinet approval.
She expressed hope they will secure bipartisan support in Parliament to strengthen governance.
