PH-BN should consider separating the role of AG
SHAH ALAM - Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) should consider the promise to separate the role of the Attorney-General as an advisor and prosecutor, as it shows independence in the institution, says expert.
Speaking to Sinar Daily, lawyer Dinesh Muthal said a separate prosecution power can be seen operating independently from the government as an advisor and also isolated from the political process.
"This will allow a better, fairer perspective on the government of the day," he said.
Dinesh was referring to the Attorney-General's reputation, which got attacked for granting Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) for his 47 graft charges.
The charges were brought against him by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in connection with the alleged misuse of funds regarding his charitable foundation, Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB).
"But to be fair and correct in the legal process, the AG did not 'withdraw' the charge; they have only halted the proceedings as within his powers under the Federal Constitution and also as per the Criminal Procedure Code.
"Unfortunately, there seems to be a lack of clear and proper, justifiable explanations given where the request was made at a late juncture after prima facie was found to be successfully established by the prosecution.
"Hence the reputation and credibility of the AG seem to be under attack now, which ultimately reflects on the government as well," he added.
Commenting further, Senior Partner of Messrs Anton and Chen, Alex Anton Netto, said it is not fair to judge the current government on one or two possible shortcomings.
"I don't think so, as I do believe the rakyat will not turn their backs on the present administration just because of one or two possible shortcomings," he said.
Alex said this when asked whether the decision on Zahid's case might affect PH and BN's changes in the upcoming by-elections.
He further said that it is true that the Madani government is proud to be anti-corruption, even trying to rebuild the nation in many aspects.
"This is a newly minted administration that is trying to rebuild the nation and the economy post-Covid." "To accuse the government of meddling without concrete evidence is not fair to the current administration," he said.
