Malaysia to table bill repealing Emergency Ordinance this year: Anwar

Anwar Ibrahim has announced that legislation to repeal the Emergency Ordinance will be tabled in Parliament this year, marking a significant development in the government's commitment to remove the contentious colonial-era provision.

The Prime Minister told the Cabinet of his intention to completely abolish the Auku, which has long been criticised by civil liberties groups and opposition lawmakers as a tool that grants excessive executive powers during emergencies.

The move reflects growing pressure on the government to address concerns about the ordinance's use and modernise Malaysia's legal framework. The Emergency Ordinance has been invoked sparingly in recent decades but remains controversial due to the broad discretionary powers it confers on the executive branch.

The tabling of the repeal bill would require parliamentary approval and is expected to generate significant debate among lawmakers. The announcement underscores the administration's push toward legislative reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and protecting civil liberties.