The Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform said it is looking into the separation of powers between the attorney-general (AG) and public prosecutor (PP).
“At least two more sessions will be held, among which we have invited the attorney-general, former and the current, to give more information about this matter.
“It is still ongoing,” PSSC chairperson William Leong said at a press conference in Parliament this evening.
In September, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the government’s commitment to separate the roles and powers of the AG and PP but pointed out that it cannot be bulldozed through.
The matter had been referred to a parliament select committee, he added.
Later, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said announced the formation of two special task forces to expedite the matter.
One task force would be entrusted with comparative research while the other would look into the technical aspects, she said.
Freedom of Information Act
On another matter, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong said Azalina is expected to bring the Freedom of Information Bill to Parliament in the year-end sitting.
“If we follow estimates, it should be in October or November this year.
“If the Act is passed, it will be a huge success for institutional reform,” he added.
In September, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance had agreed in principle to enact a Freedom of Information Act.
According to the PMO, this would include creating “clear parameters and guidelines” for the public to access information from the government and public agencies.
The Act would also include an amendment of the Official Secrets Act 1972, it added.
It also said the step would allow the improvement of public services and encourage public participation in the process of crafting national policies. - Mkini
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