Attorney general must answer for failure to prosecute Najib

CSO Platform for Reform acknowledges the recent court decision on former Prime Minister Najib Razak and former treasury secretary general Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, where the judge’s ruling highlights significant prosecutorial shortcomings.

We commend the judiciary for its adherence to due process and impartiality in making decisions based on the evidence and legal standards presented in court.

This case underscores the critical role of the prosecution in ensuring justice is served. When prosecutorial inefficiencies or missteps occur, they not only undermine the pursuit of justice but also risk reducing public confidence in the criminal justice system.

We firmly believe that accountability lies with those responsible for presenting a robust and credible case, not with the judiciary, which is duty-bound to assess cases on their merits.

It is vital that the relevant authorities address the lapses within the prosecution, ensuring higher standards of preparation and performance in future cases. This includes sufficient training, thorough investigations and stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent such issues from recurring.

When the prosecution fails to present a credible and well-prepared case, it undermines public trust in the criminal justice system and risks the perception that justice is unattainable.

The fault in such cases lies squarely with the prosecution, not the judiciary, which has a constitutional duty to deliver judgments based on the evidence before it.

CSO Platform for Reform emphasises that recent prosecutorial shortcomings highlight an urgent need for institutional reform.

We call on Azalina Othman Said, the minister responsible for law and institutional reform, to prioritise and chart a clear path towards separating the roles of the attorney general and public prosecutor, while ensuring this pivotal reform is implemented by 2025 to restore public confidence in the justice system and ensure that justice is both served and seen to be served. – CSO Platform