Separation of AG and public prosecutors: Have a mechanism to ensure they are held accountable

There is a need for a mechanism to be in place to ensure that the Attorney General (AG) and public prosecutors are held accountable for their action, said Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor)

“We need to have a mechanism to ensure that they are held accountable.

“If there is one, I am confident that the AG and public prosecutors would think twice before taking action or making controversial decisions such as deciding a NFA status in politically motivated cases.

“They know they would have to explain in parliament or a parliament committee.”

Ramkarpal said this while debating a motion of thanks to the Agong in Dewan Rakyat this afternoon.

“The government had announced that it would enact laws to separate the Attorney General and public prosecutors.

The Agong too had briefly touched on the subject in his address

Earlier, Ramkarpal questioned whether Malaysia would emulate the United Kingdom by having a sitting MP as the AG.

Malaysia has had two MPs who served as the AG in the past – Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Yusof (former MP for Tenggaroh) 1963-1977 and Tan Sri Hamzah Abu Samah (former Raub MP) 1977-1980.

Ramkarpal also criticised Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s claim over Penang.

Those supportive of the claim had said that it would be best for the courts to determine the issue. Ramkarpal pointed out a flaw to that notion.

“It is not a serious demand. It is frivolous. We can go to court but the suit would be struck off since it is frivolous.

The lawmaker who is also a lawyer questioned whether the Kedah state legal advisor was consulted before Sanusi made his claim.

“What is Kedah Menteri Besar’s motive? Did the state legal advisor agree to this?”