Fahmi asks if opposition will give full support for bill to split AG, PP’s role

 Fahmi Fadzil says the government remains committed to the proposed reform, which has been revised after feedback from all sides.

Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the revision of the bill reflects the unity government’s willingness to listen across party lines. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil has questioned whether the opposition will provide the two-thirds majority needed to pass a constitutional amendment bill to separate the roles of the attorney-general and public prosecutor.

Fahmi said the Cabinet remains committed to the reform following engagement sessions and recommendations from the parliamentary special select committee, and that the bill has been amended to incorporate feedback from both government and opposition MPs.

He said Putrajaya is ready to retable the Constitution (Amendment) (No 2) Bill 2026 for debate and voting in the current parliamentary meeting.

“The question is whether the opposition will support it to secure the more than two-thirds majority required, given that this is a reform and an improvement for the country’s democracy, and to address issues raised by MPs over the years,” he said at his weekly post-Cabinet press conference today.

Asked about possible absentees or abstentions among government MPs, Fahmi said the unity government at the federal level remains stable and continues to enjoy the support of all component parties.

He said the revision process demonstrated the government’s willingness to listen across party lines.

“MPs must put national interest, democracy and Parliament above political games, as this is not about politics but the country’s future,” he said.

He also said the attendance and voting records of MPs will be documented, and those absent must account for their actions to voters and the public.

The bill was tabled for its first reading on Feb 23 but faced resistance from MPs on both sides.

It requires at least 148 votes in the 222-member Dewan Rakyat to pass.

It was later referred to a bipartisan parliamentary special select committee which spent about three months reviewing and redrafting it.

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said previously said the revised bill will propose that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoint the public prosecutor without the involvement of the prime minister or the Cabinet.

In a separate development, Fahmi said the Cabinet also discussed issues involving foreign workers, including those in the food and beverage sector.

He said a dedicated committee meeting will be held as early as next week, chaired by deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to address and resolve the matter. - FMT