By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Dec 4 – It will be challenging for the Federal administration to implement meaningful institutional reforms that require constitutional amendments if the opposition constantly threatens to topple the government.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said this in lambasting irresponsible parties that seek to cause instability.
Responding to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Nuing Jeluing, Azalina said the government despite securing a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat, it would be difficult to implement constitutional amendments without the assurance of stability.
“If the government is still receiving threats that it will be toppled, how do we want to garner (the support of) 148 MPs (to implement major reforms)?
“While we have the support of 148 MPs, there have been speculations suggesting a potential change in government can happen at any time.
“Institutional reforms require constitutional amendments and these can’t be done if the government is not stable,” she said at the Dewan Negara sitting today.
Nuing, in his supplementary question, had sought clarification pertaining to the timeline for the separation of powers between the attorney-general (AG) and public prosecutor.
Azalina pointed out that this would necessitate an amendment to the Federal Constitution, which requires a two-thirds support. Changes will also have to be made to 19 existing laws.
She added that the government is currently carrying out an empirical study on the proposal to separate the powers of the AG and public prosecutor.
“Therefore, allow the government to carry out its responsibilities until the 16th General Election so that the reforms can be implemented in the next four years.
“Then, let the rakyat decide who should take over the government. But for now, please allow us to carry out our duty,” she said.
In October, it was reported that the separation of powers will be done in three phases, considering the complexity and challenges of its implementation.
The first phase involves research by the Special Task Force on Comparative Studies, followed by a comprehensive review on the legal aspects from the Special Technical Task Force, and a joint engagement session with the Sabah and Sarawak governments as well as other stakeholders including enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, Azalina also informed the Dewan Negara of some of the reforms that have already taken place under the Madani government.
Among others, she noted that the government has amended the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792) and the Child Evidence of Child Witness Act 2007 (Act 676), with the aim of fortifying human rights and child protection.
She added that the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 (Act 846), which eliminates the mandatory death penalty and substituting it with an alternative punishment, has come into effect.
