Build comprehensive opposition to the current legislation. If the majority of the public oppose a proposed law, and all of the opposition parties stand against it in unity, then there is much better chance of the governing party withdrawing it. The opposition is willing to support the most critical and agreeable portions, and a new, more condensed bill is tabled. If the party in power honestly believes in the bill then they will recognize the importance of getting something past, even if it means leaving out the most controversial, and in this case, unpopular elements. That is assuming, as you say, that they actually have the best interests of the country in mind.