The Malaysian government has officially deferred the second reading of the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026, which seeks to separate the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Law and Institutional Reform, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, announced the postponement in the Dewan Rakyat, stating that the government intends to present the proposed amendments to the Conference of Rulers before proceeding further. This decision aims to respect the constitutional monarchy and ensure the reform process is handled in an orderly and responsible manner.
The bill, which has been under intense public and parliamentary scrutiny, proposes seven key amendments to strengthen the independence of the prosecution system. Currently, the Attorney General serves as both the government's primary legal advisor and the nation's lead prosecutor, a dual role that critics have long argued creates potential conflicts of interest. The proposed reforms include a new appointment process for the Public Prosecutor, a fixed seven-year term, and enhanced parliamentary oversight to ensure the office remains insulated from executive or political influence.
While the delay pushes the bill to the next parliamentary sitting, the government has emphasized its commitment to these reforms. The Ministry has engaged with various stakeholders, including the Malaysian Bar, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, and civil society groups, to refine the legislation. By involving the Conference of Rulers and further strengthening the role of Parliament in vetting candidates, the government hopes to build a more robust and transparent legal framework that restores public confidence in the justice system.