Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Law Society welcomes the Federal Cabinet’s decision on Sept 10 to fully separate the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor positions, calling it a crucial reform for Malaysia’s justice system.
Its President Datuk Mohd Nazim Maduarin said the move is a long-overdue step that will strengthen rule of law and restore public confidence in the country’s legal framework.
The current combined role has created concerns about political interference in criminal prosecutions.
“This separation will ensure criminal cases are handled fairly and independently, without executive influence,” he said in a statement.
The reform is expected to benefit both legal practitioners and accused persons by establishing clearer institutional boundaries.
The implementation will require constitutional amendments and new legislation, including a Public Prosecutor Act and changes to the Criminal Procedure Code.
SLS has called for consultation with all three Malaysian bar associations, namely the Malaysian Bar Council, Sabah Law Society and Advocates Association of Sarawak, along with civil society groups.
Mohd Nazim said this represents more than just a structural change, viewing it as a commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s democratic institutions and ensuring justice is both delivered and seen to be delivered.
“SLS pledged its support for the reform’s implementation while advocating for continued access to justice during the transition period,” he said.
Meanwhile, the SLS received information that lawyers involved in the Zara Qairina inquest have been and still are subjected to online abuse, threats and intimidation.
Mohd Nazim said the SLS has been monitoring these developments from the outset and it is now necessary to state its position clearly.
“SLS takes such matters with utmost seriousness. Abuse or harassment against lawyers, whether online or otherwise, is unacceptable and an affront to the rule of law.
“It must be clearly understood that all lawyers, whether representing parties, holding a watching brief, or appearing in any other professional capacity, are simply doing their jobs as officers of the court.
“Every person deserves the right to representation, and lawyers provide this to the best of their abilities within the framework of the law.
“To target or threaten them for fulfilling this duty is to undermine the justice system itself,” he said.
He stated that the SLS stands behind its member to ensure justice is served.
