Separation sound in theory, but flawed in proposed execution.
The Malaysian Bar has expressed serious reservations about the government’s plan to separate the roles of the Attorney-General and public prosecutor, stating it is “not optimistic” that the outcome will meet expectations.
Malaysian Bar president Anand Raj said the separation was sound in theory but flawed in its proposed execution. “All we need to say is, the separation of Attorney-General and public prosecutor in theory and in concept is good,” he was quoted as saying.
“However, the way in which it is proposed to be executed, from what is available in the public domain, is far from ideal. We are not satisfied that enough has been done to execute the separation in the best interest of the country.”
Anand noted that although the Bar was consulted before the proposal was finalised, not all of its views and suggestions to the parliamentary special select committee were adopted. In some cases, none of the Bar’s proposals was taken on board.
He reiterated that the separation should be implemented as soon as possible and in the best possible manner.