KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 18 cases involving prominent figures have been granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) since 2017, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
Both 2020 and 2023 recorded the highest number of DNAA cases with five each, while 2021 saw the least with just one case.
In 2017 and 2022, no DNAA cases involving high-profile individuals were recorded.
In a written parliamentary response on Feb 24 (Monday), the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said that under the Chief Registrar's Circular 1/2012, the prominent figures include Rulers, Kings and immediate family members.
It also includes Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Cabinet, Members of Parliament (House of Representatives/Senate), State Legislative Assembly Members, Members of the Royal House or State Executive Council and other political leaders holding high offices in the Government or political parties;
It also includes Federal Court judges, Court of Appeal judges, High Courts judges, and Judicial Commissioners, and government officers and senior Officers, and Heads of Federal/State Departments and Government Agencies, she said.
“DNAA is in accordance with Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution, which stipulates that the Attorney General shall have the power to commence, conduct, or discontinue any proceedings for an offence, other than proceedings before the Syariah court, the child court, or the military court,” she said.
This was in response to Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) who asked about the number of VIP or VVIP cases that have been granted a DNAA over the past five years and the steps taken to enhance transparency in the legal process.
Azalina said that the Attorney General can use his discretion based on evidence from law enforcement agencies, and new developments and evidence that emerge during the trial, she added.
She added that the government has introduced the initiative roadmap AI Legal Justice 2025, to adopt the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sector and legal services involving agencies under the ministry.
This will enhance access to justice and improve the efficiency of agency work processes.
An administrative judicial academy is also established to provide training to enhance the efficiency and professional skills of high court judges, she said.
