Politics · Malaysia Bureau
PM calls for abolition of outdated colonial legislation
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has renewed calls for the removal of colonial-era laws, arguing they undermine the true meaning of national independence. However, the premier did not specify which legislation he was referring to.
LSN Malaysia ·

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the need to dismantle legal frameworks inherited from the colonial period, contending that their continued existence conflicts with the spirit of independence.
The premier's remarks underscore growing discussions within government circles about modernising Malaysia's legal system and removing archaic provisions that date back to pre-independence rule. Such calls have gained traction as policymakers seek to align legislation with contemporary values and national aspirations.
Anwar's comments come amid broader efforts to review and reform various aspects of the legal framework. However, the Prime Minister did not elaborate on which specific statutes or provisions required urgent attention, leaving scope for further clarification from his office.
The push to reassess colonial-era laws reflects a wider trend across Southeast Asia, where nations are revisiting inherited legal systems as part of efforts to establish more locally-grounded governance structures. In Malaysia's context, this includes ongoing debates about various legislative areas.