Two special task forces will be formed to study and expedite the process of separating the offices of the Attorney General (AG) and the Public Prosecutor (PP), according to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms). The decision to create these task forces was made during a meeting chaired by Azalina on Tuesday, which included the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform chairman, Selayang MP William Leong Jee Keen, representatives from the Opposition bloc, the AG’s Chambers, and the Public Service Department (PSD).
Azalina stated that the separation of the roles of the attorney general and public prosecutor would involve amendments to the Federal Constitution and existing laws, as well as other related regulations that would have significant financial and staffing implications for the government. She mentioned that the results of the discussion would be presented in an upcoming Cabinet meeting for further consideration.
During the meeting, it was agreed that two task forces would be established. The first task force, known as the comprehensive study special task force, would be led by Azalina and include representatives from the PSSC, AGC, Opposition bloc, and the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU). The task force aims to conduct “evidence-based research” on countries like England and Australia to gather additional information on global best practices that may not be publicly accessible.
The second task force, named the technical special task force, would focus on studying the legal, financial, and staffing implications of the separation. Azalina suggested that this task force be managed entirely by the AGC and BHEUU. She also mentioned that this task force would prepare an interim report within one year regarding the study on the separation of roles for the AG and PP, which would then be presented to the Cabinet.
Further engagement with stakeholders, including the police and other enforcement agencies, will also be conducted. Azalina emphasized that the reform agenda is crucial to ensure stronger democratic governance and align the laws with the unity government’s commitments in establishing a well-functioning legislative system and governance.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
