Anwar Ibrahim Announces Proposal to Separate Attorney General and Public Prosecutor Roles

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a proposal to separate the roles of the Attorney General (AG) and the Public Prosecutor in line with the ongoing legal reform agenda under the MADANI Government. The move is part of a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the country's legal system. Anwar highlighted that the MADANI Government has introduced 23 legal reforms, including two constitutional amendments, since taking office two and a half years ago. This unprecedented pace of reform has drawn attention to the government's commitment to overhauling outdated laws and institutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposal to separate the roles of the Attorney General (AG) and the Public Prosecutor will be tabled to the Cabinet by the end of this month.
  • The move is part of the ongoing legal reform agenda under the MADANI Government, which has introduced 23 legal reforms since taking office two and a half years ago.
  • The reforms include two constitutional amendments, one involving citizenship, and the newly passed Parliament Services Act 2025.
  • Key reforms cited include amendments to the Evidence of Child Witness Act, the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023, the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023, the Ombudsman Bill 2025, and the Cyber Crime Bill 2025.
  • The Prime Minister has emphasized the MADANI Government's commitment to reform, citing that this record of reforms over two and a half years has yet to be matched by any previous administration.
  • Anwar also highlighted the introduction of 34 new acts and 57 acts amended in 2023, 5 new acts and 57 acts amended in 2024, and 4 new acts passed, with 6 acts amended, along with 2 new bills and 11 other bills amended so far this year.
  • The Prime Minister expressed support for enhancing or updating anti-party-hopping laws, emphasizing that previous proposals from him as Opposition Leader were not incorporated into the Federal Constitution (Amendment) (No. 3) Act 2022.

Statistics:

  • 23 legal reforms introduced by the MADANI Government since taking office two and a half years ago.
  • 2 constitutional amendments introduced, one involving citizenship.
  • 34 new acts amended in 2023.
  • 57 acts amended in 2023.
  • 5 new acts introduced in 2023.
  • 2 constitutional amendments introduced.
  • 4 new acts passed, with 6 acts amended, along with 2 new bills and 11 other bills amended so far this year.

Sources:

  • "Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim" in Dewan Rakyat, Malaysia
  • "MADANI Government" in various official reports and statements.