Separating AG-PP’s roles may take a year, says Azalina

The separation of the attorney-general and public prosecutor roles requires amending the Federal Constitution and 21 related laws, according to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. The minister, responsible for the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), emphasized that such extensive legislative changes cannot be implemented overnight and may take a full year due to the need to pass 21 ancillary laws in parliament.

This process involves three parliamentary sittings per year, making the transition from having a unified role to having separate attorney-general and public prosecutor positions a lengthy undertaking. Azalina stressed that passing the necessary legislation requires disciplined execution and the backing of lawmakers across the political spectrum.

She urged all political parties to support the reforms and achieve the required two-thirds majority of at least 148 MPs. The separation of these roles is crucial to prevent politically motivated prosecutions after elections or changes in government, ensuring that political parties and politicians benefit from the reforms rather than suffer.

Azalina stressed that achieving the support of at least 148 MPs is essential for the success of the constitutional amendment, and full support from all 218 MPs would send a positive signal to the public about the unity of political leaders in recognizing the importance of this reform for the country's political future.