Many in Malaysia who care about justice have been asking for the separation of the functions of the attorney general and public prosecutor.
This is because these two roles can contradict each other at times.
The government’s objective or action may not necessarily be in the interest of the common people.
The attorney general-cum-public prosecutor could find it difficult to straddle these two roles. It is a predicament that could undermine justice and democracy.
Given the gravity of this matter, we would have expected law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said and her legal team to expedite the reform process.
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The government should act quickly to implement this much-awaited reform. No effort should be spared, as this reform is worth pursuing.
To paraphrase former law minister Zaid Ibrahim’s sarcasm, you do not need to go on a massive tour of the world with a large entourage in tow to find out how to go about separating the two offices.
The government should know its priorities.
Aliran executive committee
24 October 2024
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
Separation of powers is an absolute necessity. Otherwise a conflict of interest could tarnish justice.