“Colonial-era laws must be abolished so that this country can give true meaning to independence,” he said in his speech at the Sahabat Madani 2026 Merdeka programme at UiTM Permatang Pauh today.  Among colonial-era laws still in force is the Sedition Act 1948, which has long been the subject of calls for abolition by the Malaysian Bar and civil society groups.

The Malaysian Bar has repeatedly called for the law’s repeal, describing it as archaic and incompatible with freedom of speech. Pakatan Harapan had also pledged in its 2018 election manifesto to repeal the Sedition Act, alongside several post-independence laws it regarded as oppressive.

DefyForGood : You could have done this anytime last 3+ years as PM.... Crave to be PM, talk like opposition. This fellow is delusional. And he wonders why he is losing elections. What a waste

LovingM : Special privileges was colonial era law...

Chefoo : Typical talk of politicians. Condemn the colonials as usual. Instead of adopting what is good and replace what is deemed inappropriate….these sweet coating politicians draw a blanket condemnation.

OCT : Malaysia can have all the good and new laws to safeguard the peace, clean and stability of the country. However, no matter what the laws and rule of law are not strictly followed, they become useless. 

It is not the laws that are not good but the politicians who don't, adhere, abide and not selective in prosecution, have made the laws a laughing stock. There are already good laws in place for corruption but Rakyat had seen it being used selectively. 

Just look at 1MDB, TH and LTAT high profile cases. 1MDB cases are still in progress and some bigwigs are still free to roam whereas other countries have concluded many moons back. The recent flag fiasco also see discrimination by PDRM acting against NM only. 

3R violations by NM are acted swift, prosecuted and jailed while MM especially MM VVIP are investigated but not prosecuted. Malaysia may not want new laws but just laws that are enforced fairly, equall5and without prejudice. New laws are not the solution when current laws are not enforced properly and justly.

AyamKambingBack : The apartheid NEP is the one need to be abolished right now. There's NO more excuse of Malay economically weak. 

Malay are now economically and politically very STRONG when compared to other races. More over, the NEP bs is causing havoc with billions being sakaued by the Malays. Abolish it NOW !!!!

Just Common Sense : Not a single colonialist in Tabung Haji so who stole the RM11 Billion? All Madani own UMNO people who he protected for 3 years by hiding the RCI report just so he could remain PM. Any colonialists in 1MDB? Pure incompetence from Anwar every time he opens his mouth.

Monty : This PM’s speech is plainly designed to distract the people’s attention, from the plagues of corruption engulfing the nation. And the unfair distribution of wealth in the country. 

How bad was corruption in the British colonial era? Really? In fact how bad was corruption under the premiership of the Tengku, Razak and Hussein Onn? Almost non existent. 

Please PMX, don’t be so aggressive and arrogant to blame the foreigners for the ills of the country but focus on the immediate scandalous behaviour of senior politicians and bureaucrats bringing shame to Malaysia almost every day of the week. 

If the PH can show that it is genuine about ridding corruption not just charging them in court but ensuring that they are jailed and all their assets are forfeited, I believe that they may just have a chance in the next election.

Kecik Mayong : We need a law where repeat "sakau" criminals be given public caning !

Rupert16 : “ Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for colonial-era laws to be abolished, saying Malaysia must shed legal remnants that restrict the freedom and participation of its people.” Likewise, and even more so, discriminatory policies that are based on race and religion should also be abolished.

darmakochi : Well said! This is our national problem. Racial discrimination in many areas. For how many more years will the majority race will be on government economic drip?

flyingeagle : Yes, agreed then Malaysians should have equal rights and opportunities with no special privileges and quota. Meritocracy is the way forward.

GrayEagle1207 : Isn't Shariah Law considered colonial era ? Since it was not native to Malaysia / Tanah Melayu, but rather it was, for lack or better term, "imported" during trade activities and marriages between foreigners and the local king/s. 

Prior to 14th century , the Malay Peninsular was heavily influenced by animism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Traditional Malay weddings and native language was heavily influenced by Hinduism which is still evident till today.

Dr Suresh Kumar : “Why can’t we look at ourselves as this great Malaysian nation, to show compassion, love and ensure that every single Malaysian benefits and is inspired?”- Stop beating around the bush and be specific. 

Which laws and when are you going to abolish it? That's what we want to hear not more humbug. You talk about independence from the white colonial masters but we are now stuck with the elite putra masters/tuans whose finger prints are on every cookie jar that we can think of. 

What are doing about it? South Africa repealed its apartheid legislation in 1991 but we are still continuing the lopsided NEP under various permutations. Where is the compassion, love and justice?