BUKIT MERTAJAM: Outdated colonial-era laws should be abolished to give Malaysia the true meaning of its independence, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said a sovereign nation must have the confidence to review laws inherited from its colonial past.
"Colonial-era laws must be abolished so that this country can give true meaning to independence.
"Independence is not just about ending foreign rule, but about reclaiming the right of Malaysians to determine their own destiny and future.
"For hundreds of years, we were humiliated.
"The Portuguese, the Dutch, the British and the Japanese decided for us," he said in his speech at the Sahabat Madani 2026 event in conjunction with National Day held at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Campus in Permatang Pauh on Saturday (Aug 29).
Anwar said the colonial rule showed us the true cost of losing sovereignty, with key decisions affecting the country's administration, resources and future being determined by foreign powers.
"Think about it as if you lived during those time.
"Government officers had British bosses, policies were decided in London.
"Malaysians must understand why colonialism was rejected.
"It is because the country did not want its systems, wealth, culture and future dictated by outsiders.
"We do not want our system to be determined by foreigners," he said.
Anwar said giving meaning to independence also required Malaysia to build a nation that is united, confident and capable of determining its own direction.
He said this included giving young Malaysians greater space to express their views, participate in public discourse and contribute to national development.
Referring to reforms involving universities, Anwar said young people should not be unnecessarily constrained from expressing their views.
"If they are wrong, correct them.
"If they assault someone, there are laws.
"It does not mean freedom is unlimited.
"This is a country governed by the rule of law," he said.
He said that laws should not be used to restrict young people.
"A mature and independent nation must trust its citizens while maintaining accountability.
"Malaysia's future depends on the new generation.
"The younger generation carries the responsibility of completing the work begun by previous generations by building a Malaysia that is strong, respected and dignified.
"Let us celebrate independence with pride and gratitude and with the determination to bring meaningful change to the country," he said.
