Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak says his country will abolish a half-century old security law that allows for people to be detained without trial.

Mr. Najib announced the abolition of the Internal Security Act Thursday in a nationally televised speech, saying it would be replaced with two new laws aimed at combating terrorism without infringing on basic human rights.

Thousands of people have been detained under the British colonial-era law.

The prime minister also announced the repeal of a law requiring media outlets to apply for annual operating licenses, which critics say has led to a stifling of dissenting voices. Mr. Najib went on to promise a review of a law that curbs freedom of assembly, and pledged that individuals would not be detained merely on the basis of their political views.

Observers say Mr. Najib is moving ahead with the civil liberties reforms to bolster support for his ruling National Front coalition ahead of the next general elections, which are expected to called in 2012, one year ahead of schedule.

The National Front has been struggling since 2008, when it lost its parliamentary majority to an opposition coalition led by former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. The party's popularity has eroded further since police broke up a massive public rally for electoral reforms back in July.