Split AG roles needed for MACC to probe cases better
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya
SHAH ALAM - The proposal for separation of powers between the Attorney-General (AG) and public prosecutors will help Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe corruption cases.
The concerns were raised by former Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Seri Azalin Othman Said following the controversial book by former AG Tan Sri Tommy Thomas who highlighted the need for separation of powers.
The book titled 'My Story: Justice in the Wilderness’ had questioned the level of competitiveness and reliability of AGC.
Azalina said AG's role of providing legal advice to the government in addition to being the public prosecutor creates a conflicting situation.
She said Parliament needs to be recognised as an institution that plays a role in ensuring transparency in the appointment and removal of the AG.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said the cnflicting situation may see some of the cases withdrawn.
He said MACC was only an investigative body while the public prosecutor was also the AG.
"Therefore there is a dilemma," he said.
Law Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the government was still studying the implications as even though multiple commonwealth countries have done it but the suggestions were not easily implemented.
He said Malaysia would need to amend 19 existing laws to ensure separation of powers.
