KUALA LUMPUR: Studies on the separation of powers between the attorney-general and the public prosecutor in the United Kingdom will commence soon, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
Azalina said the United Kingdom would be the last country where the first phase of the empirical study will take place.
"The government is currently finalising dates for a visit to the United Kingdom and an announcement will be made once it is confirmed," she said during a special chamber in Parliament today.
Azalina said that similar studies have already been conducted in Canada from May 5 to 10 and in Australia from June 2 to 6.
She noted that the legal systems in these countries are unique due to historical reasons.
"In both Canada and Australia, the attorney-general is a member of Parliament and holds cabinet minister status.
"Regarding prosecution, the attorney-general does not intervene in prosecutorial matters unless they involve national security or violence.
"Prosecutors in both countries have the freedom to initiate or halt prosecutions without needing approval from the attorney-general," she added.
Meanwhile, Azalina said that a scientific study focusing on public perception of the separation of powers between the attorney-general and the public prosecutor will be conducted within six months.
"The government will collaborate with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to conduct this study, involving relevant stakeholders such as the public, enforcement agencies, experts, and state governments.
"We will then compile and analyse data gathered from these parties, including insights from focus group discussions.
"The initiation of these studies underscores the Madani government's commitment to institutional reform."
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