[UPDATED] Azalina: AG-PP separation, 10-year PM term-limit Bills ready

The Malaysian government has finalized two key bills aimed at limiting the prime minister's term to 10 years and separating the powers of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor, according to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform). Both Bills, which require amendments to the Federal Constitution, now await approval and a vote in the Dewan Rakyat.

Azalina clarified that the decision to table these Bills for a vote during the ongoing parliamentary session rests with the Leader of the House, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. She emphasized that both proposals necessitate the approval of at least two-thirds of Dewan Rakyat members, making the outcome subject to local political dynamics.

The Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor separation Bill, in particular, is seen as a reform that could enhance public trust in the legal system by reducing the perception of political prosecution. Azalina stressed that such a separation would provide greater clarity regarding the roles and responsibilities of the two critical positions.

In contrast, the 10-year term-limit proposal, which previously fell short of the required two-thirds majority, aims to reinforce accountability, checks and balances, and governance within the framework of the Federal Constitution. Despite this setback, Azalina remains optimistic about the Bills' prospects, urging all political parties and lawmakers to support these reforms, which she believes will be beneficial to the nation.