Bersih: Separate public prosecutor's role from AG before GE15

The role of the public prosecutor must be separated from the attorney-general (AG) before the next general election to remove any suspicion of political interference in cases involving politicians, Bersih urged.

"Whatever the merits or outcome of each case, public confidence in the institutions that administer justice, including the court and the prosecution office, will continue to be shaken," the electoral reform group said in a statement today.

The discharge not amounting to an acquittal of Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and the acquittal of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi of corruption charges on the same day have put the spotlight on the AG, and highlighted the need to have the prosecution office independent from the AG, Bersih noted.

"We should be reminded about the principle that justice should not only be done but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.

"The public prosecutor, who has a key role to assist the judiciary in the administration of criminal justice, should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen as independent, impartial, and beyond political interference.

“These can only be done by separating the public prosecutor's role from the politically appointed attorney-general," said Bersih, further urging the government to complete the study on the separation of powers without further delay.

In addition, the group urged Putrajaya to set up a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on AG Reform to involve the private members from all blocs in the reform agenda.

"The precedents - the PSSC on Anti-Hopping Constitution Amendment and the PSSC on the Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill 2022 - have shown the advantages of involving the private members in policy formulation, including successfully achieving consensus between governing and opposition blocs, garnering sufficient support to pass even constitutional amendments, and strengthening the law by bringing in the private members’ inputs.

"Restoring the confidence of the public prosecution office and the judiciary should be the top priority of all political parties and should be supported by all parties," said Bersih.

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