KUALA LUMPUR: The government will begin the legislative process to separate the powers of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor next year, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
She said a Federal Constitution Amendment Bill is scheduled for tabling during the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament in 2026.
Azalina said this marks the first legislative step towards the long planned separation of roles.
“Once the constitutional amendment comes into force, it will be followed by the Remuneration Bill and the Law Reform (Public Prosecutor) Bill,” she said on Tuesday (Nov 25).
She said these would take the form of an omnibus bill to amend various laws arising from the separation, adding the split covers the AG’s advisory functions and the PP’s prosecutorial powers.
Azalina said the decision was informed by input from the AG’s Chambers and findings from study visits; the special comparative task force visited Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
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She said its findings were presented to the Cabinet, adding Cabinet agreed on September 10 to adopt a full separation model.
She said the AG and PP will be held by two different individuals of equal status.
On whether both offices would be directly accountable to Parliament, she said no final decision has been made.
“However, the government remains open to views and proposals from MPs and stakeholders,” she said.
Azalina said forthcoming reforms must strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in the justice system.
