Malaysia to amend powers of Attorney General, Public Prosecutor in October

Malaysia is moving forward with significant institutional reforms, with amendments aimed at separating the powers of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor anticipated for the parliamentary session in October. This move is a key component of the government's broader agenda to reform state institutions.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed that the recommendations from the Special Parliamentary Select Committee (JKPK) undergo the necessary processes before implementation. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, confirmed that the proposals would first be presented to the Majlis Raja-Raja, or the Council of Rulers.

"The meeting of the Council of Rulers might take place in October, and that month is also the last parliamentary session for the year," Azalina stated during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara. "God willing, we will be able to proceed with the amendments concerning the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor."

The JKPK has been diligently working on this reform, conducting further reviews and engaging in consultations with Members of Parliament, legal experts, and various stakeholders. Their report, outlining the proposed amendments, was presented on June 22 and subsequently read in the Dewan Rakyat on July 14. Key proposals include the establishment of a code of ethics for the Public Prosecutor, a reporting process to Parliament, and a role for Parliament in the appointment of the Public Prosecutor.