KUALA LUMPUR: Two special task forces will be formed to expedite reformation efforts regarding the separation of powers of the Attorney-General Chambers (AGC) and the public prosecutor's office.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the decision to form the task forces was agreed in a meeting with the Special Select Committee (JKPK) on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform members among others.
Also in attendance at the meeting were representatives from the opposition blocs, the AGC, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Office (BHEUU), the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, the Finance Ministry and the Public Service Department.
"The proposed Special Task Force for Comparative Studies consists of myself and representatives of the JKPK, representatives of the opposition Bloc, AGC and BHEUU to conduct evidence-based research in several countries such as England , Australia, Canada and Kenya to obtain more information that cannot be accessed through open data studies of global best practices.
"The Special Technical Task Force will comprehensively examine the legal, staffing and financial implications where it is proposed to be fully managed by AGC and BHEUU.
"The Special Technical Task Force will prepare an Interim Report within one year on the comprehensive empirical study of the separation of the powers of the public prosecutors and the AGC including taking into account the results of the study based on evidence and the presentation of the results of the empirical study for the consideration of the Cabinet," she said in a statement adding that the outcome of the discussion will be communicated in the upcoming cabinet meeting for further consideration.
She added that the separation of powers of the two entities would involve amendments to the Federal Constitution and existing laws as well as related regulations in addition to bringing great financial and staffing implications to the Government.
"Engagement or discussion sessions with other stakeholders such as the police, other enforcement agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Customs Department, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and other parties will be held by the Special Technical Task Force soonest.
"This reform agenda is important in ensuring stronger democratic governance and improving the administration of law in line with the unity government's commitment to ensure good administration, legal systems and governance," she said.