In his open speeches, Anwar has often discussed how Western conceptions of human rights and democracy are compatible with Islamic law. He gained respect from non-Malay officials in Malaysia, who saw him as a head capable of bringing Malaysia back to the center after centuries under Dr. Mahathir and UMNO, as well as from European nations.
There was a hoped that if he came to power, the earlier administration’s evils would be undone.  ,
In the 2022 general election, the Democratic Action Party ( DAP ), the Chinese wing of Anwar’s coalition government, won 90 per cent of the Chinese vote, in part because the Chinese community viewed Anwar as the only Malay leader who could reform the political system.
THE Fundamentalist
Since then, but, Anwar has faced growing criticism from many Malaysians, especially for activities that some see as exceedingly aligned with Islamist plans.
His strong stances on issues like the Palestinian cause and his support for the controversial Mufti ( Federal Territories ) Bill, which would grant religious authorities unfettered authority without the parliamentary oversight, contribute to this discontent.
A edict is a conditional legal order for Malaysian Muslims, which is a religious edict or elegant ruling. Fatwas are now binding in Malaysia if they are gazetted by the appropriate state governments or national provinces.
Under the proposed Bill, but, fatwas issued by the FT imam cannot been challenged in court. Reviewers warn that this could lead to punishments for deeds against them in accordance with the country’s liberal rules. It would also give strength to the authorities, through the emir, to officers nearly every aspect of Arab living in Malaysia.
Another issue is that the Bill may make it legal for someone to hold the position of FT imam only if they belong to a certain sect within the Sunni school of thought. There are concerns that this will make non-Sunni sects less popular and ultimately turn Malaysia into a de facto totalitarian state as different states follow the FT Mufti Bill’s legal framework.
Other lines of thought would not be possible due to this. Some people contend that the Shia movement in Malaysia, which has risen in popularity and fans over the past ten years, is the real goal of the Bill. This Bill is supported by many of Malaysia’s best Sunni monks.
The Malay parliament’s last session of the Bill is currently in progress, and the growing criticism has not had a positive impact. Anwar does delay the Bill, according to critics, but will do so later.
Some Muslims and non-Muslims worry that the Islamization may advance even further if the Bill is passed.