Kuala lumpur: The Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) is working towards finalising its report on the proposed separation of the Attorney General (AG) and Public Prosecutor (PP) roles by mid-May, as stated by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Azalina Othman Said. The committee has scheduled several follow-up meetings to refine the proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution before they are expected to be presented during the June parliamentary session.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the PSSC's upcoming meetings are scheduled for April 9, April 16, April 27, and May 4, with the goal of concluding its report by May 18. The committee has decided to invite four legal and constitutional academics to provide insights on the proposed amendments. In addition, several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will be invited to submit written feedback, including objections, proposals, criticisms, and alternative options. The aim is to gather extensive input from NGOs interested in constitutional matters. Azalina noted that preliminary discussions showed agreement among Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition on the necessity of separating the AG and PP roles. However, certain issues still require detailed examination to ensure consensus before the amendments can be tabled in Parliament.
The committee is focusing on key parameters such as the appointment mechanism, qualifications and restrictions, tenure and age limits, termination procedures, and institutional accountability. Additionally, the committee will review the overall constitutional amendment bill, including provisions related to Article 42, Article 132, Article 138, and Article 145, as well as proposed new Articles 145A and 145B.
Azalina addressed concerns raised by several PKR MPs regarding Parliament's role in the appointment process, stating that it is part of a broader discussion on the proposed reform. She emphasized the challenges faced with certain positions and the existing trust deficit. Stakeholder engagement sessions are being conducted after the bill's tabling to ensure the process is managed through the parliamentary select committee mechanism, despite the proposed amendment involving fewer than 10 constitutional provisions. The bill remains highly technical and requires comprehensive scrutiny.
Azalina highlighted that the government is allowing the committee process to take place to ensure broader consensus is reached, noting the historic nature of the proposed institutional reform. Regarding the potential for the Attorney General to be called to Parliament in the future, she mentioned that it is premature to comment in detail, but there is an expectation that the Attorney General, as the government's legal adviser, may appear before Parliament.