Government agrees to proposed amendments to strengthen Public Prosecutor's independence


PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has agreed to proposed amendments by a parliamentary committee to the Constitution (Amendment) Bill (No. 2) 2026 to strengthen Parliament's role in scrutinising and recommending the appointment of the Public Prosecutor.

Prime Minister's Department legal affairs division (BHEUU) said the amendment is part of the Madani Government's institutional reform agenda aimed at clearly separating the functions of the Attorney General, who serves as legal adviser to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Cabinet and ministers, from those of the Public Prosecutor, who exercises prosecutorial powers.

BHEUU said the amendment also took into account views from government and Opposition MPs, legal experts and civil society organisations.

It said that after considering the views received, the government has agreed to amend Clause (18) of the proposed Article 145A of the Bill to strengthen the balance between the independence of the Public Prosecutor and institutional accountability.

"The amendment to Clause (18) of proposed Article 145A provides that the names of candidates for the post of Public Prosecutor be submitted to the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat to be tabled before the House.

"Following scrutiny by a Select Committee, the Dewan Rakyat will make its recommendation to the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (SPKP).

"The SPKP will then advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the appointment of the Public Prosecutor based on the recommendation of the Select Committee," it said in a statement on Wednesday (July 8).

The Constitution (Amendment) Bill (No. 2) 2026 was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 23 before being referred to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on March 3 for further scrutiny.

The committee, comprising 11 government and Opposition MPs, held seven meetings to examine the Bill, including receiving briefings from relevant agencies and considering views from stakeholders.

The committee's report, together with the proposed amendments, was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on June 22.

 

 

 

 

 

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Tanjung Embang deep-sea port to anchor Sarawak's transformation beyond 2030
Deputy Minister sets record straight following misunderstanding over abortion remarks
Johor Immigration nabs 155 in Pandan Wholesale Market sweep
Firefighters foil theft attempt on injured teacher at Alor Gajah crash scene
Selangor moves to study pilot project for sustainable artificial intelligence data centre
State polls an opportunity to reject opposition's unfulfilled promises, says Onn Hafiz
Govt muling letting MPs view CCTV footage of Taiping Prison death incident
Criminal cases involving police rose by 20%, says Deputy Home Minister
Melaka cops dismantle Rohingya robbery gang, six nabbed after warehouse heist
Johor an opportunity for Chinese voters to send message to DAP, says Khairy

Others Also Read