Malaysia Postpones Bill to Separate Attorney General and Public Prosecutor Roles

Malaysia's government has decided to postpone the second reading of a bill aimed at separating the powers of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor. This move comes as a sign of respect for the Malay Rulers and to ensure the constitutional reform process is conducted in an orderly and prudent manner.

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The government intends to present the proposed amendments to the Council of Rulers for their information. This step is taken out of respect for the Constitutional Monarchy institution and to ensure the constitutional reform process is carried out in an orderly and prudent manner in line with the country's constitution.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, announced the postponement, stating that the government intends to present the proposed amendments to the Council of Rulers for their information. "The government intends to continue proceedings for the second and third readings of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill (No. 2) 2026, including debate and decision-making, at the next Dewan Rakyat meeting after the Council of Rulers has been briefed on the proposed amendments," she said in the Dewan Rakyat.

The delay also accounts for the various views, suggestions, and feedback received from Members of Parliament and stakeholders since the bill was first presented. Azalina emphasized that these inputs are crucial and warrant careful consideration due to the significant implications of the reform for the nation's legal and justice systems.

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The government intends to continue proceedings for the second and third readings of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill (No. 2) 2026, including debate and decision-making, at the next Dewan Rakyat meeting after the Council of Rulers has been briefed on the proposed amendments.

The bill, previously presented for its first reading on February 23, faced diverse opinions and objections from both government and opposition MPs. It was subsequently referred to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee for further review, leading to the formulation of new amendments. To pass, the bill requires the support of at least 148 out of the 222 Members of Parliament, a two-thirds majority.

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Since this bill was presented to the Members of Parliament, various views, suggestions, and constructive feedback from Members of Parliament and stakeholders have been received. Considering the importance of this reform to the country's legal and justice system, the government is of the view that all these views deserve proper consideration before this bill is brought back to this Dewan.