KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 — The Constitution (Amendment)(No.2) Bill 2026, aimed at separating the powers of the attorney-general and public prosecutor, has been referred to a parliamentary special select committee (PSSC).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said tabled the motion on the matter after the bill’s second reading, allowing stakeholders to scrutinise its provisions in greater detail.
The Dewan Rakyat passed the motion by a majority voice vote.
Azalina said the PSSC on Constitutional Amendments Relating to the Separation of Roles of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor would scrutinise the proposed legislation, including oversight mechanisms governing the public prosecutor.
“The committee will propose any amendments deemed necessary and prepare a report containing its recommendations within three months, with the option of an extension if required,” she said, adding that the committee will be chaired by her and will comprise 11 MPs from both government and opposition benches.
Earlier, when tabling the bill for second reading, Azalina stressed that it does not grant the prime minister any direct role in nominating, determining or advising on the appointment of the public prosecutor.
Instead, under the proposed amendments, the public prosecutor would be appointed by the King at His Majesty’s discretion, upon the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission and after consulting the Conference of Rulers.
“This represents a constitutional and professional system of checks and balances, not one driven by partisan political considerations,” Azalina added.
