Two task forces created

Two task forces have been established to expedite the separation of the offices of the Attorney General (AG) and the Public Prosecutor (PP), according to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform stated that these task forces were formed following the first meeting held to discuss the reform agenda for separating the two offices. Attendees at the meeting included the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Human Rights, Election, and Institutional Reform, as well as representatives from the Opposition bloc, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), and the Public Service Department.

Azalina noted that the separation of the AG and PP roles would require amendments to the Federal Constitution and laws, as well as other related regulations, which would have considerable financial and staffing implications for the government. She announced that the outcomes of the meeting would be reported to the Cabinet during its next session for further consideration. The meeting also established that both task forces would investigate matters related to the separation of powers.

The first task force, named the “comprehensive study special task force,” will be led by Azalina and comprise representatives from the PSSC, AGC, Opposition bloc, and the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department. The team will conduct evidence-based research on global best practices, drawing insights from countries like England and Australia, where such information may not be easily accessible.

The second task force, known as the “technical special task force,” will focus on examining the legal, financial, and staffing implications of the separation. Azalina suggested that this task force should be solely managed by the AGC and Legal Affairs Division. She mentioned that an interim report would be prepared within a year regarding the study on the separation of roles, followed by further engagement with stakeholders such as the police and enforcement agencies.

In a separate statement, William Leong, the chairman of the PSSC, announced a proposed proceeding to discuss the issue and stated that the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, had agreed to allow the PSSC to study the Federal Constitution for relevant amendments. Leong highlighted several high-profile cases to be considered during the proceeding, including the acquittal of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and former 1MDB CEO Arul Kanda Kandasamy in the 1MDB audit tampering case, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s acquittal of four charges related to power abuse, and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi being granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal for his corruption cases.

Leong expressed concern that these cases gave the impression of interference from the Attorney General’s Chambers. He emphasized the need for justice to be served according to the Federal Constitution. Furthermore, Leong shared that the PSSC intends to call several individuals, including Azalina, AG Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, former AG Tan Sri Idris Harun, Legal Affairs Division director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, and the lawyers who represented Ahmad Zahid, to provide explanations in line with the PSSC’s terms of reference. He stated that this process would assist the PSSC in providing recommendations on institutional reforms to the government.