Former Court of Appeal judge KC Vohrah said the public prosecutor can then carry out duties without being politically motivated while the AGC can act as the adviser to the government, as is the practice in most democratic countries.

“That should be done. The public prosecutor should act independently on the evidence,” he said, adding that this requires amending Article 121 of the federal constitution to restore the power of the public prosecutor.

Vohrah spoke to reporters after the launch of his book called “Finding a Footing in the Law”. The book was launched by Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

The 500-page book is divided into 10 sections. It includes a collection of Vohrah’s articles and letters to the press and lectures.

Vohrah was once an advocate, solicitor, prosecutor, legal adviser, government legal representative, Treasury solicitor and arbitrator.

Vohrah, who was also previously a member of the disbanded Institutional Reforms Committee (IRC) to review the checks and balances in key institutions after Pakatan Harapan came to power last year, said a lot of NGOs had also called for the separation of powers.

Last year, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said the government does not have a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat for the amendment for the separation of powers to take place.

Asked if the government had implemented the reforms recommended by IRC, Vohrah said at least four or five recommendations have already been implemented.

“We were so happy that Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof (a former judge) was made Dewan Rakyat speaker.

“We wanted more select committees in Parliament. That has also been done.”

He said the IRC also wanted the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to be further strengthened.