THE government's ongoing efforts to separate the constitutional roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor are expected to significantly strengthen prosecutorial independence and bolster public confidence in Malaysia's justice system, Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said.
He said the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) was playing a central role in driving legal reforms, including the landmark initiative to establish an entirely independent Public Prosecutor's office, distinct from the Attorney General's constitutional function as the government's legal adviser.
"It will mark a significant milestone in strengthening prosecutorial independence and public confidence in the justice system.
"It is also a major institutional reform that reinforces the separation of powers, and strengthens confidence that prosecutorial decisions are made independently," he said.
Mohd Dusuki made the remarks while delivering a keynote lecture titled Strengthening the Rule of Law Through Institutional Reform: Malaysia's Roadmap for a Modern Justice System at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) today.
He said the proposed constitutional amendment had advanced to detailed scrutiny by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee following the first reading of the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 on 23 February.
According to him, the parliamentary review process reflects the government's firm commitment to democratic accountability and good governance while ensuring that the reform is subjected to comprehensive legislative examination.
Mohd Dusuki said strengthening the prosecution function remains one of the core pillars of the AGC's broader institutional reform agenda, particularly as Malaysia's justice system confronts increasingly sophisticated forms of criminal activity.
"In an era of increasingly complex crime, prosecutions are now required to deal with cases involving cybercrime, digital forensics, cryptocurrency, financial fraud, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven scams, organised crime and transnational offences," he said.
To address these evolving challenges, he said the AGC has adopted proactive measures to develop a more specialised prosecution service through continuous professional training, targeted capacity-building programmes and the cultivation of expertise in specialised fields.
He added that the AGC continues to play a leading role in the administration of criminal justice, handling trials and appeals involving matters of public interest, as well as high-profile, complex and sensitive cases.
"During 2025, the AGC successfully concluded 3,055 criminal appeal cases. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the AGC completed 965 criminal appeals.
"These figures are not merely statistics, but reflect the capability, discipline and unwavering dedication of AGC officers.
"They demonstrate that the AGC continues to serve as a key driver in ensuring the timely disposal of criminal appeals before the higher courts," he said. - June 18, 2026
