Parliament is expected to take on a more significant role in the checks and balances system for the appointment of the Attorney General through the Parliamentary Select Committee (JPKP), marking a major institutional reform initiative.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, said the move reflects the MADANI Government’s strong commitment to advancing legal and institutional reforms in the country.
She said the proposal was agreed by consensus during the seventh meeting of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Institutional Reform, which includes representatives from both government and opposition blocs.
Under the proposed mechanism, the Prime Minister and Cabinet will no longer be involved in the appointment process of the Public Prosecutor to prevent any perception or influence of political interference.
Azalina said Parliament, through the JPKP, will be empowered to review, assess and provide recommendations on candidates submitted by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission before they are considered further.
She added that in line with the principle of separation of powers, Parliament will be given full autonomy to determine its own procedures through parliamentary standing orders and subsequent federal legislation.
The Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2026, which includes provisions to separate the roles of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, is scheduled to be tabled for second reading during the current Dewan Rakyat sitting.
Meanwhile, Selayang MP William Leong Jee Keen said the parliamentary oversight mechanism aligns with constitutional provisions under Articles 62(1) and 83(3) of the Federal Constitution, emphasising transparency in the selection process.
He said Parliament will examine candidates based on merit, competency and suitability before submitting its recommendations to the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, which will then present the final proposal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with the Conference of Rulers.
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman described the reform as one of the most significant legal changes in Malaysia’s history, ending executive dominance over prosecutorial powers and strengthening the rule of law.
He also urged all Members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation, to support the bill in the interest of safeguarding national legal integrity.
