AG, PP separation: Scotland is heavenly, Zaid moots another study tour for Azalina

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim fired a sardonic salvo at Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said over the move to separate the roles and powers of the attorney-general and public prosecutor.

Agreeing that it is a difficult task, he suggested that the minister embark on more study tours, including to “heavenly” Scotland.

He was responding to Azalina stating that the government would not be pressured into moving with haste in separating the roles and powers.

“Yes, splitting the powers of the AG and the public prosecutor is a tough assignment,” Zaid said.

“The minister needs another year or two. It’s better after the next election in 2027 so the major assignments could be done and completed before that,” he added.

“In the meantime, she should plan another study tour of England and Canada. If time permits, Scotland is heavenly,” he quipped.

Cover all bases

According to Zaid, the previous trip of a “relatively large delegation to Australia” in June was not enough to “unravel the mystery” of creating an office of public prosecutors.

For the ”trip to England, Scotland and Canada”, Zaid suggested including a new team of plan supporters from Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office and Attorney-General’s Chambers.

“All bases must be covered,” he said.

“Malaysians are very patient and understanding. They know when ministers need to go overseas on study tours before any reforms can be done,” he added.

Earlier, Azalina told the Dewan Rakyat that the separation must be done responsibly and cannot be rushed.

“We must ensure the process is well-structured and based on solid grounds. That is why we are taking the time to conduct thorough studies before making any final decisions,” she added.

Empirical studies

The government is conducting empirical studies on the separation of powers in Canada, Australia and the UK.

From May 5 to 10, Azalina led a bipartisan delegation to Canada and later to Australia from June 2 to 6.

In September last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that his government is committed to separating the powers and roles.

This was after calls for the separation intensified following Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi being granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal over his 47 corruption charges.

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