22-05-2025
AG-Public Prosecutor separation of powers still in study phase
Modernising the law: Azalina (second from left) taking part in the launch of the AI Legal Justice Roadmap 2025-2026 and the Institutional Reform Map microsite at Universiti Malaya. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: A decision on separating the roles of the Attorney General (AG) and the Public Prosecutor could potentially be finalised before the 16th General Election, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said her ministry is still in the empirical study phase of the proposed separation of powers.
'I hope we can reach a decision before the next general election. This reflects the Madani government's approach to distinguishing the AG's role as the government's legal adviser from that of the Public Prosecutor,' she said during the launch of the AI Legal Justice Roadmap 2025-2026 and the Institutional Reform Map microsite (PetaRI) at Universiti Malaya yesterday.
Azalina noted that various technical aspects must be examined, including the AG's advisory role to the government.
She also pointed out that the matter must be viewed holistically, as Sabah and Sarawak have their own prosecutorial authorities.
'Once the study is complete, the findings must go through several committees before being presented to the policy division and then to the Cabinet. I hope the government can make a decision once we are ready to present the findings,' she said.
The proposal to separate the powers of the AG and the Public Prosecutor has long been advocated by MPs and civil society organisations, with the aim of strengthening judicial independence and eliminating potential conflicts of interest in the legal system.
Azalina previously said that an interim report on the separation of roles is expected to be presented to the Cabinet later this year.
In March, she said a delegation conducted an empirical study in the United Kingdom, following visits to Canada and Australia last year to examine in greater detail the models implemented in those countries.
Meanwhile, the event saw the launch of the Roadmap and PetaRI, initiatives aimed at modernising the legal and judicial system in line with the latest technological advancements.
The Roadmap, led by the Legal Affairs Division and involving six other agencies, is a preliminary action plan to integrate AI into the legal ecosystem.
The PetaRI microsite, accessible at showcases reform progress and invites the public's feedback.
