Malaysia Debates Expansion of Sharia Law Amid Political Pressures

Malaysia's Islamist party PAS supports reviving a bill to expand sharia court powers, including harsher penalties like flogging.

The bill aims to empower Malaysia's Islamic legal system after a court ruling limited a state's sharia laws.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim vowed to put the controversial bill back before parliament to quell dissent.

Critics accuse Anwar of backing the bill for political reasons, despite his allies previously opposing similar legislation.

Anwar said past administrations neglected reforms needed to elevate sharia courts' status, but critics point out his allies had criticized similar proposals.