AG-PP roles must be split, ideally this year, says Azalina

2026-03-16 - 06:14

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said suggestions and views from MPs outside the special panel should be conveyed to their respective party leaderships. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR: There is a general consensus across the political divide that the roles of the attorney-general and public prosecutor must be separated, with hopes that the reform can be carried out this year, says law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said. Azalina, who chairs the parliamentary special select committee tasked with deliberating the proposed constitutional amendments, described the panel’s first meeting today as “quite promising”, with both government and opposition MPs appearing to be on board with the proposed split. “There must be a split (in tasks). And it must be done this year if possible,” she told reporters after the meeting. Azalina said discussions today broadly focused on five key areas — the mechanism of appointment, qualifications and requirements, term of office and rights, removal mechanisms, and institutional accountability. She said committee members were aware of the various concerns raised publicly and online, as well as observations made by other MPs. “What’s important is for them to understand the issues and bring them back to their party blocs,” she said. “We hope we will be able to get their commitment through their representatives here to get us the numbers (to pass the law).” On March 3, the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 was tabled for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat. It was later referred to the special select committee following concerns over the lack of accountability, transparency and independence in the process of appointing and removing the public prosecutor. Ten PKR MPs had also threatened to withhold support for the bill unless Parliament has oversight over the public prosecutor. Azalina said the committee had scheduled several meetings in the coming weeks to examine the proposal in detail, with the aim of finalising its report by the end of May, before tabling the amendments at the June sitting of Parliament. These meetings are set for April 9, April 16, April 27 and May 4, she said. Azalina said the committee would also seek views from academic experts on governance and law, as well as NGOs, many of whom will be invited to submit their feedback in writing.