Two special task forces to be formed on move to separate AG, PP

 

Two special task forces will be formed to expedite the separation of roles and powers between the attorney-general (AG) and public prosecutor (PP).

Calls for the separation had intensified following the granting of a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In a statement this evening, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said the formation of the task forces was decided at the maiden meeting to scrutinise the matter.

Stating that the government is committed to implementing the reform, she said one task force would be entrusted with comparative research while the other would look into the technical aspects.

“The separation of the roles of the AG and PP will involve amendments to the Federal Constitution, existing laws and related regulations apart from having a huge financial and staffing implication on the government,” she added.

Azalina (above), who chaired the meeting, said the discussion centred on the challenges in realising the reform.

“Details of the discussion will be presented to the cabinet soon for further consideration,” she added.

On the task force for comparative research, Azalina said the proposed members included herself as the head, representatives from the parliamentary select committee on human rights, election and institutional reform, representatives from the opposition bloc, Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the legal affairs division under the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU).

The task force would conduct “evidence-based research” in various countries such as England, Australia, Canada and Kenya to obtain information “which cannot be obtained through open data on global best practices.”

Whereas the task force on technical aspects, comprising the AGC and BHEUU, would scrutinise the legal, staffing and financial implications.

Azalina said the technical task force would prepare an interim report on the “comprehensive empirical research” regarding the separation of the roles within a one-year timeframe for the cabinet.

The task force would also hold discussions with the other stakeholders such as the police, MACC, Customs Department, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and others in the near future.

Others present at the meeting were select committee on human rights, election and institutional reform chairperson William Leong, committee member and Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, opposition representatives - Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Besut MP Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh, the AGC, BHEUU, Judicial and Legal Service Commission, Finance Ministry and the Public Service Department.

PM Anwar Ibrahim

Last week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed his government's commitment to separate the roles and powers of the AG and PP but pointed out that it cannot be bulldozed through.

"We have even referred the matter to a parliament select committee. Although it involves a huge sum, it has to be done since it will strengthen the role of the AG and PP.

"Please do not suggest that it (the proposal to separate the roles and powers) has not been decided (by the government).

"You can't bulldoze (the proposal) in a few weeks… You need to have a two-thirds majority (in Parliament) to affect this reform," he added. - Mkini