The decision by prosecutors to withdraw their case against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday highlights the need for urgent reforms to keep politics out of law enforcement, according to Wong Chen.
In a statement, the Subang MP from PKR joined the chorus in calling for the government to separate the powers of the attorney-general and public prosecutor, saying the latter should only be accountable to Parliament.
“This episode only strengthens the urgent need for fundamental reforms. Defence lawyers of Zahid have claimed the undue influence of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in initiating the case. Others have different views on where the undue influence has happened.
“The bottom line is we must ensure that laws are passed in Parliament so that our independent bodies, in particular the MACC and attorney-general, can function without political influence,” Wong (above) said.
He also believes that the attorney-general and solicitor general offices need to be separated, with the attorney-general functioning as chief adviser to the government on commercial, civil, and international trade matters; whereas the solicitor general runs an independent public prosecution body, accountable only to Parliament.
Adding further, Wong said the appointment of senior MACC officers must also be vetted by Parliament and all its activities are accountable to the August House.
“We need to move fast on these reforms and pass the necessary laws within the next 12 months. As a government MP, I will continue to urge and push harder for my government to make good these reforms.
“When these laws are in place, then perhaps we will see the start of the end of undue influence of politics in anti-corruption matters.”
PKR deputy information chief Chua Wei Kiat, who is the Rawang state assemblyperson, said the prosecution's decision to request DNAA in the Zahid case had shocked the rakyat and warranted an explanation.
"Right now, the roles of attorney-general and public prosecutor, are being held by one person, which is why the government needs to speed up the reformation.
"This is so that the people will have more confidence in our justice system and leave no room for people to accuse the government of meddling with court cases," he said.
Adding further, Chua also suggested that the government put forth a better explanation of how DNAA works, where an individual granted the order can be charged again in court while it also allows the prosecution to build a stronger case.
Yesterday, the prosecution in Zahid’s (above) corruption trial requested a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for 47 corruption charges related to Yayasan Akalbudi funds.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court granted the DNAA sought by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar. - Mkini
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