Ten PKR MPs aligned with Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli have threatened to block the government’s proposed constitutional amendment separating the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor roles unless Parliament is granted direct oversight and veto powers over the new office.
In a joint statement, the lawmakers welcomed the tabling of the Constitution (Amendment) Act (No. 2) 2026 but warned that the Bill, in its current form, risks concentrating power “in the hands of just a few individuals.” The amendment, requiring a two-thirds majority, is scheduled for a Dewan Rakyat vote on Tuesday, 3 March.
Echoing concerns from civil society groups, including Bersih 2.0, Ideas, and Rasuah Busters, the MPs argued that the draft gives the prime minister and Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) disproportionate control over appointments and dismissals. They cited the 1MDB scandal as an example of how unchecked prosecutorial powers undermined accountability.
The group outlined four demands:
- Referral to committee: The Bill should first be reviewed by the Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform, chaired by William Leong.
- Parliamentary veto: Candidates for Public Prosecutor must undergo televised hearings before the committee and secure a Dewan Rakyat majority vote prior to royal assent.
- Dismissal mechanism: Parliament should be empowered to initiate motions to remove a Public Prosecutor for misconduct, requiring a two-thirds majority before advising the King to establish a tribunal.
- Shorter term: The proposed seven-year tenure should be reduced to four years to prevent excessive concentration of power across multiple governments.
“We are duty-bound to convey the aspirations of progressive voters who desire this kind of multi-layered process,” the MPs said, stressing that such a significant amendment must not be rushed.
The statement was signed by Rafizi (Pandan), Wong Chen (Subang), Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), S Kesavan (Sg Siput), Onn Abu Bakar (Batu Pahat), Rodziah Ismail (Ampang), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju), Hassan Karim (Pasir Gudang), and Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau).
This marks a critical test for the Madani government as it seeks consensus on institutional reforms while balancing demands for stronger parliamentary oversight.