Azalina says the special committee report on separating the attorney-general and public prosecutor roles marks a key step in Malaysia’s reform agenda.
KUALA LUMPUR: The tabling of the Special Select Committee report on the proposed separation of the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor in the Dewan Rakyat tomorrow marks a significant milestone in the government’s institutional reform agenda, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
Azalina, in a statement today, said the report reflected the MADANI Government’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, institutional independence and public confidence in the country’s justice system.
She said the committee, which met seven times, had proposed seven key improvements to strengthen the independence, integrity and accountability of the Public Prosecutor’s institution.
“The proposals include strengthening Parliament’s role in the appointment process, appointing the Public Prosecutor by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (SPKP) without the involvement of the prime minister or the Cabinet, introducing a fixed non-renewable seven-year term, establishing a Code of Ethics for Public Prosecutors, and empowering Parliament to enact further legislation to strengthen the institution,” the statement read.
Azalina said the government had also proposed amendments to Clause (18) of Article 145A of the Federal Constitution to further enhance Parliament’s role in appointing the Public Prosecutor.
Under the proposed amendment, the SPKP would submit the name of a candidate to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker for tabling and scrutiny by the House Select Committee before its recommendation is returned to the commission.
The SPKP may then advise the King based on the candidate recommended by the Dewan Rakyat.
Azalina said the mechanism would strengthen the system of checks and balances without compromising the independence of the Public Prosecutor or the constitutional role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“This reform is not merely about separating the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor. It is about building a prosecution institution that is more independent, transparent and accountable to strengthen public confidence in the country’s justice system.
“This is the true legacy of the MADANI Government’s institutional reform agenda – to leave behind institutions that are stronger, more resilient, have greater integrity and command public confidence for the benefit of future generations,” she said.
