DAP leader urges govt to repeal colonial-era laws as reform priority

Ramkarpal Singh, a prominent DAP figure, has intensified calls for the government to prioritise the repeal of colonial-era legislation, framing it as an essential component of the administration's modernisation efforts. The lawmaker's remarks came in response to remarks made by the Prime Minister during a recent address at UiTM, indicating renewed momentum around governance reform discussions within ruling coalition circles.

The DAP leader characterised several pieces of colonial legislation as draconian, suggesting their continued presence on Malaysia's statute books undermines contemporary democratic principles and governance standards. He argued that dismantling these laws would represent a tangible commitment to institutional reform and align the legal framework with modern constitutional values.

The timing of Ramkarpal's intervention reflects broader conversations within Malaysia's political establishment about updating legal instruments that have remained substantially unchanged since independence. His comments underscore growing consensus among reformist factions that comprehensive legislative modernisation should feature prominently in government priorities.

Government officials have not yet formally responded to the specific appeals for legislative repeal, though reform initiatives remain a stated priority within ministerial portfolios overseeing institutional development and legal affairs.