Dr Jeffrey…this will restore confidence that justice at every level is free from outside pressure.
KOTA KINABALU : – Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the Federal Government’s plan to separate the roles of Attorney General and Public Prosecutor is a long-overdue.
“It is an important reform,” he said in a statement Thursday.
“Ending this conflict of interest will strengthen the rule of law and improve public trust in the justice system, ” he said.
“Yet the reform must go further, ” he added.
Dr Jeffrey said Magistrates and Sessions Court judges, who decide most cases faced by ordinary Malaysians, remain under the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, which includes executive office-holders.
According to him, this leaves room for executive influence over the courts.
“To ensure true judicial independence, judges and magistrates should be placed fully under the Judiciary, with appointments and discipline overseen by the Chief Justice and senior judges,” he said.
He pointed out that this is in line with international best practices and would restore confidence that justice at every level is free from outside pressure.
He further said that Separating the AG and PP, together with placing subordinate courts under the Judiciary “are the necessary twin steps to guarantee justice that is independent, impartial, and credible.”
