Malaysian Bar to debate proposed ban on politicians as AG

 The resolution, to be considered at the Bar’s annual general meeting, will be proposed by chairman Ezri Abdul Wahab on behalf of the Bar Council.

The Malaysian Bar will hold its annual general meeting today.

PETALING JAYA:

 The Malaysian Bar is set to debate a resolution at its annual general meeting calling for Cabinet members and MPs to be barred from appointment as attorney-general (AG) under a constitutional amendment bill presently pending in Parliament.

The resolution, proposed by chairman Ezri Abdul Wahab on behalf of the Bar Council, is understood to be one of 11 to be tabled at the AGM today.

In the resolution, the body expressed concern about the potential for “excessive executive control” that could result from the proposed separation of the offices of the AG and the public prosecutor (PP).

“The Bar Council notes with concern that the bill does not prohibit the appointment of the AG from among MPs or members of the Cabinet,” he said.

He added that while the council agreed that the office of the AG should be subject to parliamentary oversight, MPs or ministers should not hold the position in order to ensure the highest degree of independence.

The resolution also noted the Bar Council’s concern that the AG — who sits on the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) — would be in a position to influence nominations to the post of PP, which may jeopardise the PP’s independence.

This, the council said, renders the legal reforms and intended separation of powers short of their purpose.

“It is further concerning that, instead of designating an independent commission or Parliament itself as responsible for the appointment of the PP under the bill, such responsibility lies with the king acting on the recommendation of the JLSC, without any provision for parliamentary oversight or accountability.

“To effect meaningful change, the appointment and removal of the PP must lie solely with an independent selection committee or an independent commission that is ultimately accountable to Parliament,” the resolution read.

On March 3, the Constitution (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2026 was tabled for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat.

It was then referred to a parliamentary special select committee due to concerns over the lack of accountability, transparency and independence in the process of appointing and removing the PP. - FMT