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TWO significant bills concerning the separation of the roles of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor, and the limitation of the Prime Minister’s tenure, will be tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, said the second reading of the Attorney-General reform bill is scheduled for 2 March.
The bill on limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure will follow on 3 March, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expected to present it personally.
Speaking during a briefing with chief editors of local media, Azalina explained that the proposed separation of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor’s roles aims to reinforce institutional independence, promote transparency, and ensure justice within the country’s legal system.
“Among the key proposals are the appointment of the Public Prosecutor by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at his discretion on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, after consultation with the Conference of Rulers, and the granting of prosecutorial powers,” she said.
Azalina added that the parliamentary presentation will also outline the Public Prosecutor’s position as equal to the Attorney-General in terms of hierarchy and service. It sets out criteria for the role, requiring a minimum of 10 years’ litigation experience and a fixed term of seven years.
Regarding the bill to cap the Prime Minister’s tenure, Azalina said the maximum term will be 10 years or two terms, counted cumulatively over a lifetime of service, whether consecutive or not. When a Prime Minister reaches this aggregate limit, the cabinet members will also cease to hold office.
The legislation includes provisions for the transition period to a new Prime Minister. “During the transition period until a new Prime Minister is appointed under Clause 2(a) of Article 43, the outgoing Prime Minister and cabinet members will carry out only limited duties related to daily government administration,” she said.
Azalina confirmed that both bills have received cabinet approval and expressed hope that their presentation and debate in Parliament will garner cross-party support, strengthening Malaysia’s legal framework and democratic institutions. - February 20, 2026