.jpg "Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan speaks during a press conference on the Emergency Ordinance in Putrajaya March 12, 2021. u00e2u20acu201d Picture by Hari Anggara")
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — The federal government is discussing the possibility of separating the roles of the Attorney General (AG) and the Public Prosecutor (PP).
In a statement today, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said this was being considered in order to build confidence in the country’s judicial system as well as the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“In order to guarantee fairness and by adhering to the rule of law, the government is taking steps to separate the functions of the AG and the PP in order to avoid any conflicts of interests.
“This matter shall be improved by comparing them with other nations to find a suitable solution for us,” he said.
Currently, the AG is also the Public Prosecutor.
The previous Pakatan Harapan government had proposed separating the roles after citing the apparent conflict during the Najib administration, but never took concrete action to do so.
As the AG is also the government’s chief legal adviser, he would be in conflict if he were in a situation where he would have to prosecute the prime minister, who is also the person responsible for appointing the AG.
In addition to that, Takiyiddin also said the government would consider calling for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) if there is a question of integrity.
“The government is not opposed to calling for an RCI if there is a need for it. If there are individuals who raise concerns of integrity and confidence against the legislature then the RCI will be called to be the gatekeepers of criminal justice,” he added.
