Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad speaks during a news conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya November 21, 2018. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 21 — The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government’s plan to separate the function of the public prosecutor from the attorney general (AG) post has been put on hold, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

He said the plan was shelved as it involves amending the Federal Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

“Thorough study was made on the suggestion to separate the function of the public prosecutor and the attorney general.

“This involves the Constitution and we do not have enough, two-thirds [majority], in Dewan Rakyat to ensure this amendment will be passed,” he told a press conference after chairing the Anti-Corruption Special Cabinet Committee meeting here.

The ruling party had pledged in its election manifesto to separate the responsibility of the AG from that of the public prosecutor.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said the federal administration had also decided to defer the decision on the involvement of public servants in politics, as he said there were too many grey areas concerning the matter.

“Traditionally, teachers were allowed to participate in politics. But now teachers don’t get involved as much as business people.

“So, we have to look at other people also, and at what level should we cut them off.

“People who do not make any serious decision might be allowed to be involved. Even then we have not reached a final decision,” he said.

The Pakatan Harapan chairman said under the former Barisan Nasional administration, many government officers were involved in political campaigns and had worn “political uniforms”.

He said this disrupts transparency in the country’s administration as when civil servants are tied to a political party, officers may make biased decisions.

“We have not been able to determine whether the civil servants should be involved in politics; therefore, this cannot be decided today... we will review this,” he said.