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PAS chief urges removal of laws to strengthen Syariah's role in Malaysia

The president of Malaysia's Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party has called for the abolition of legislation he characterizes as colonial-era restrictions, arguing such measures are necessary to elevate Islamic law's supremacy within the country's legal framework.

LSN Malaysia · 9 September 2026

KUALA LUMPUR — Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, president of PAS, has renewed calls for the repeal of what he describes as outdated colonial-era statutes, contending they obstruct the proper implementation of Syariah law in Malaysia.

The veteran Islamic politician's remarks underscore ongoing debates within Malaysia's political landscape regarding the relationship between secular and religious legal systems. PAS has long advocated for greater prominence of Islamic jurisprudence in the country's legal structure, positioning such reforms as essential to strengthening religious governance.

Hadi's position reflects the party's broader agenda of expanding Syariah authority across Malaysia's legal and administrative frameworks. The comments are likely to reignite discussions among lawmakers and civil society regarding the balance between constitutional provisions governing Islamic law and federal legislation that currently defines its scope and application.

The proposal adds to a series of policy initiatives by PAS, which has sought greater influence over Malaysia's governance mechanisms through both parliamentary representation and state-level administrations where it holds sway.