Kuala lumpur: A Bill designed to limit the tenure of the Prime Minister is now prepared for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, as disclosed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. However, the decision to table the Bill at the forthcoming parliamentary session lies with the Leader of the House, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina confirmed that all necessary preparations are complete for the Bill, which proposes a term limit for the Prime Minister. The critical step now depends on whether the Prime Minister decides to bring it for a vote during the next parliamentary sitting. These remarks were made following the launch of the Public Opinion Survey on the Drafting of the Coroners Bill.
Azalina explained that the proposed term limit for the Prime Minister necessitates amendments to the Federal Constitution, requiring a two-thirds majority in Parliament. This requirement similarly applies to the Bill concerning the separation of the roles of the Attorney General (AG) and Public Prosecutor (PP), both needing substantial parliamentary support.
Acknowledging the political dynamics at play, Azalina urged all parliamentarians, irrespective of their political leanings, to support these reforms. She emphasized that the proposed changes could help mitigate perceptions of politically driven prosecutions, thereby enhancing public trust in the system.
Azalina expressed her hope that members of the Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Negara, and various political parties would embrace the Bills, highlighting the greater benefits these reforms promise for the nation. She underscored the significance of the Bill separating the roles of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor in bolstering confidence in the prosecution process.
Azalina stated her desire to dispel any notions of hidden agendas in legal proceedings, asserting that the proposed separation of roles, with the Public Prosecutor appointed through a parliamentary process, would inspire greater confidence in the integrity of the country's legal framework.