Think tank lauds Azalina’s remark on separation of AG, Public Prosecutor

PETALING JAYA: The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) applauds Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said's remark on separating the offices of the Attorney General (AG) and the Public Prosecutor (PP).

"Ideas is encouraged by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms)'s remarks on separating the offices of the AG and the PP," it said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 23).

The think tank group urged the government to expedite the process as civil society organisations (CSOs) have been making such calls for several years and the previous administration had also promised to undertake the reform.

It also offered to work together with the government to expedite the process by offering its insights and recommendations.

“We note from the Minister’s statement that the government intends to conduct a comprehensive empirical study within one year before the separation can be finalised.

"To that end, Ideas is ready to work together with the government to offer our insights and recommendations in expediting the process.

"Ideas published a policy paper titled ‘Separating the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor: Enhancing Rule of Law in Malaysia’ in 2016. Bersih's paper published in 2021 is also an important reference in this reform effort,” said Ideas CEO Dr Tricia Yeoh.

Ideas added that separating the role of the AG and that of the Public Prosecutor is a necessary step towards enhancing the rule of law in Malaysia.

"With remarks made by some parties in the country claiming selective prosecution and the government’s commitment to institutional reform, the rule of law, and addressing corruption, it would be pivotal for the separation to be undertaken as soon as practicable," it said.

Dr Yeoh also said these reforms should include the Political Financing Act, the Fiscal Responsibility Act as well as the Constituency Development Fund Act.

"All these reforms will strengthen the country’s institutions, ensure their independence from political interference, as well as improve investor confidence in Malaysia,” she said.

On Saturday (Aug 19), Azalina said the government will undertake a comprehensive empirical study within one year before finalising the proposed separation of powers between AG and Public Prosecutor.

About 19 existing laws, as well as the Federal Constitution, needed to be amended for the separation of power implementation.