Thousands of people rallied in the Malaysian capital Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as public discontent grows over rising living costs and allegations of failing to deliver promised reforms.Protesters – mostly wearing black t-shirts and bandannas carrying the slogan "Turun Anwar", or "Step Down Anwar" – marched through the heart of Kuala Lumpur, before converging in the city's Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) to hear speeches by top opposition leaders.Police estimated at least 18,000 were in attendance.Anwar, who campaigned on a reformist platform before taking office in November 2022, has faced criticism over measures aimed at boosting government revenue, including an expanded sales and services tax and subsidy adjustments that some fear could lead to a spike in consumer prices.Protester Nur Shahirah Leman, 23, a member of an Islamic students' group, said that she is worried that new taxes as well as higher electricity tariffs imposed on large businesses would eventually be passed down to consumers."These taxes are levied on manufacturers, so it would automatically affect the prices of food," she said."He (Anwar) has already governed the country for three years and has yet to fulfil the promises he made," said protester Fauzi Mahmud, 35, from Selangor just outside the capital.Anwar "has been to many countries to bring investments, but we have yet to see anything", Fauzi told AFP, referring to the premier's recent trips, including to Russia and Europe."The cost of living is still high," the engineer said.Anwar has also faced claims of judicial interference and doubts over his commitment to anti-corruption efforts, after prosecutors dropped graft charges against several figures allied to the government and following a recent delay in the appointment of the country's top judges.Anwar has repeatedly denied interfering in the courts.Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 100 this month, joined the rally and accused Anwar of misusing his position to prosecute political rivals, charges the premier has previously rejected."It's been three years, what have the people got? I think he (Anwar) enjoys seeing us suffer,” he said. "Enough, please, step down.""Those who are innocent are charged, those who have done wrong are let go," Mahathir told the crowd.Mahathir and Anwar, his former protégé-turned-rival, have been locked in an intense feud that has dominated Malaysian politics for nearly three decades.The pair mended fences to oust the long-ruling Barisan Nasional government in 2018, but their coalition collapsed in less than two years amid infighting.Anwar was appointed premier on a reformist ticket and promised to tackle graft, nepotism and cronyism within the Southeast Asian nation's fractured political system.Days ahead of the rally, the premier laid out a string of populist measures aimed at addressing concerns, including a 100 Malaysian ringgit ($24) cash handout for all adult citizens and a promise to cut fuel prices.On Wednesday Anwar also added that about 18mn Malaysian motorists would be eligible to purchase subsidised medium-octane fuel at 1.99 ringgit per litre, compared to the current price of 2.05 ringgit.Political analysts viewed the announcements as a strategic move to appease increasing public frustration and dissuade people from joining yesterday's march.Norhamizah Mohamed, 48, from Besut on the northeast coast said that she came to protest to ensure that "Anwar does what he promised in the election manifesto.""It's not that we don't like him, but we don't like the way he is running the country,” she told AFP. "Only after we had decided to do this protest he announced the goodies for the people."Yesterday's protest also comes as political parties gradually gear up for elections, which by law have to be held no later than mid-February 2028.A recent survey by Malaysia-based independent Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research found the majority of Malaysian voters gave Anwar a positive approval rating of 55%.Reasons included the easing of political turmoil in recent years as well as efforts to significantly raise Malaysia's profile through this year's chairmanship of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
July 26, 2025 | 11:19 PM