No Law Mandates Separate PM, Finance Minister Roles: Minister

Malaysia has no legal or constitutional mandate to separate the roles of Prime Minister and Finance Minister. The decision rests solely with the Prime Minister's discretion for each administration, according to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform).

She addressed the issue in the Dewan Negara, responding to a question about potentially drafting legislation to ensure the two positions are not held by the same individual. Azalina emphasized that the matter is not just about the title, but also about the individual entrusted with the responsibility.

"For me, it's not about the position, but the individual," she stated. "If the individual is a Prime Minister who knows how to differentiate, then we will reach that conclusion. But if the Prime Minister at any parliamentary session determines that the same person is needed, it is up to that individual."

Senator Hussin Ismail had raised the point, noting that the separation of these roles has been a recurring debate, especially during election seasons. He sought clarity on whether the government would consider creating a bill to definitively address the issue.