The Malaysian Bar welcomes the government’s readiness to amend Article 145 of the Federal Constitution to separate the powers between the attorney general and the public prosecutor.
It was reported on 5 November 2020 that the government is committed to the move to ensure more transparency in our country’s justice system – an idea first mooted in the previous government’s manifesto.
Currently, the roles of both the attorney general and the public prosecutor are fused. It is the role of the attorney general to act as a legal adviser to the government, and the public prosecutor has the duty to prosecute criminal matters.
It is stipulated in Article 145 of the Federal Constitution that the attorney general shall advise the King or the cabinet or any minister upon such legal matters, and to perform duties of a legal character. The attorney general shall have power, exercisable at his discretion, to institute, conduct or discontinue any proceedings for an offence.
The separation of powers between the attorney general and the public prosecutor is absolutely crucial in a democracy like Malaysia. The attorney general is the highest-ranking public prosecutor, and utmost integrity and independence is required to maintain public confidence in our country’s governance.
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It is a well-known saying that “justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done”. The Malaysian Bar feels it is imperative that an attorney general be impartial and accountable to the rakyat. It is our stance that the functions of the attorney general must be separate from that of a public prosecutor to ensure checks and balances in prosecutorial decisions.
We hope the government’s decision to amend Article 145 of the Federal Constitution can be implemented efficiently and expeditiously to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour and to safeguard the transparency of our justice system.
We call on members of Parliament from both sides to support this decision wholeheartedly for the benefit of our country.
Salim Bashir is president of the Malaysian Bar
This piece is reproduced from here and has been edited for style only.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Salim is very fast off the mark to earn brownie points for himself in front of the backdoor govt.
True, credit must be given where credit is due.
So, really, when the legislation to such effect as separation of powers of the attorney general and public prosecutor reaches Parliament , this will mark an achievement for the backdoor govt.
Then, I am sure “members of Parliament from both sides to support this decision wholeheartedly” – no need,Salim to make this redundant call!!
Yes, I am being cynical and sarcastic – all of the backdoor PM’s actions to date show he is power crazy. Why will he willingly give up this power that allows him to intimidate opposition members and civil activists!The evil dictator doodled away 22 months sitting on it