Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said will chair the special parliamentary committee tasked with examining the bill to separate the roles of attorney-general and public prosecutor.
Motion approved, committee formed
The Dewan Rakyat today passed a motion by voice vote to refer the constitutional amendment bill to the special select committee. The House then adjourned until its next sitting in June.
Azalina, who tabled the motion, said the committee will review the bill thoroughly, including mechanisms to ensure accountability for the public prosecutor, and propose any needed changes.
She added that the committee must prepare a statement outlining its suggested amendments within three months, though an extension may be requested if required.
The panel is allowed to invite MPs, experts, non-governmental organisations and other individuals to its meetings.
Committee membership announced
The committee comprises members from both the government and opposition benches.
From the government side are Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong), who also serves as plantation and commodities minister, Lo Su Fui (GRS-Tawau), deputy federal territories minister, William Leong (PH-Selayang), Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi), Adly Zahari (PH-Alor Gajah), Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) and Roy Angau Gingkoi (GPS-Lubok Antu).
Opposition representatives include opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin (independent-Larut), former law minister Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) and Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar).
Purpose of the constitutional changes
The bill aims to amend six articles of the Federal Constitution and add two new provisions. It seeks to create the public prosecutor as an independent constitutional office, transferring prosecutorial powers now held by the attorney-general to this new position.
Last week, 10 PKR MPs had called for the bill to be sent to a special select committee for careful review, arguing that such a significant constitutional change should not be hurried.
They expressed concern that the current draft concentrates too much power in the hands of the prime minister and the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, and suggested Parliament should have a role in appointing the public prosecutor.
The MPs noted that their support for the bill would hinge on whether the government considers their input.
None of the 10 PKR MPs are included in the special committee.
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