THE Cabinet has approved amendments to the Federal Constitution that will require candidates for the post of Public Prosecutor to undergo scrutiny by the Dewan Rakyat through a Parliamentary Select Committee before any formal appointment is made.
The decision follows extensive feedback from government and opposition Members of Parliament, legal experts and civil society organisations as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Malaysia's institutional reform agenda.
In a statement, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department (BHEUU) said the proposed amendments are intended to provide greater clarity by separating the constitutional functions of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor.
Under the reforms, the Attorney General will continue to serve as the principal legal adviser to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Cabinet and government ministers, while the Public Prosecutor will exercise independent prosecutorial powers.
The Constitution (Amendment) Bill was first tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on 23 February before receiving its first reading again on 3 March.
The Dewan Rakyat subsequently approved a motion referring the Bill to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Constitutional Amendments relating to the separation of the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor.
The bipartisan committee, comprising 11 government and opposition Members of Parliament, convened seven meetings to examine the proposed legislation, establish its terms of reference and scrutinise the parameters of the draft constitutional amendments.
Under the revised framework endorsed by the Cabinet, the Parliamentary Select Committee will first examine candidates for the office of Public Prosecutor before submitting its recommendation to the Dewan Rakyat.
The Dewan Rakyat will then forward its recommendation to the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (SPKP), which will advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the appointment based on the committee's recommendation.
The constitutional amendments are scheduled to be tabled for debate during the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament beginning on 13 July 2026. - July 9, 2026
