Philip Koh, an adjunct law professor at Universiti Malaya, said the proposal was “a step in the right direction” in removing the attorney-general’s (AG) prosecutorial powers — a much-needed institutional reform to a key public office.

“Permitting another body to advise the king means that the decision is not made wholly by the executive.

“It merits discussion and a decision,” he told FMT, drawing parallels to the role performed by the Judicial Appointments Commission in the appointment of superior court judges.

Koh was responding to reports quoting law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said as saying last week that the government was considering a proposal to allow the JLSC to advise on appointments as public prosecutor.

Currently, the AG — who performs the dual role of advising the government and acting as the public prosecutor — is appointed by the king on the advice of the prime minister.

Koh also called for rules to protect the public prosecutor’s tenure, saying such measures are essential to ensure prosecutorial independence and freedom from political interference.

“If we want the public prosecutor to act without fear or favour, the position must have secure and protected tenure, given that the holder of office has the status of a federal court judge.”

However, former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir questioned the suitability of the JLSC in its present form to perform the proposed function.

He said the commission currently includes senior civil servants and either the AG or solicitor general, giving rise to the risk of continued executive influence.

“Suggestions of candidates for the post emanating from the government are untenable as they impinge on the independence of the public prosecutor’s office,” he said.

Salim also cautioned that the process could see candidates drawn mainly from government service, potentially overlooking the availability of a wider pool comprising legal practitioners.

“In order to secure the independence of the office, the public prosecutor should be appointed by the king on advice of an independent commission,” he said, adding that boundaries should be drawn between the government and the public prosecutor, and it should be strictly observed.

Salim said that any system must be transparent and merit-based to avoid being seen as a cosmetic change, adding it would help boost public confidence.