Thousands rally for Anwar to resign over economic, political challenges

Mahathir, Muhyiddin among attendees at first major protest targeting Malaysian PM

- Azril Annuar

KUALA LUMPUR - Thousands of people gathered in Kuala Lumpur on July 26 for the Turun Anwar (Anwar Resign) rally demanding that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim step down to take responsibility for a slew of economic and political challenges.

"Undur! Undur! Undur Anwar! (Step down! Step down! Step down, Anwar!)" shouted the sea of protesters — mostly donning black — who had congregated at Masjid Negara, the National Mosque.

"Bangkit! Bangkit! Bangkit rakyat! (Rise! Rise! Rise up, people!)" some of them also chanted, as the group marched in drizzling rain towards Dataran Merdeka, or Independence Square, a historic site for Independence Day celebrations and the final gathering place for the rally.

There they were joined by crowds that had marched from other starting points at Masjid Jamek, Sogo Mall and Central Market.

Backed by the main opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance that had bussed in thousands of people from outside Klang Valley, the rally was also attended by smaller opposition parties and Malay-rights activist groups.

It was the first major rally targeting Datuk Seri Anwar and came amid public frustration over cost-of-living concerns, especially after the sales and services tax was expanded in July, a hike in the electricity rate, and a reduction in fuel subsidies.

The organisers said the turnout numbered around 500,000. But the police estimated that about 18,000 people attended the rally.

Despite some positive macroeconomic indicators for Malaysia — inflation was at a four-year low of 1.1 per cent in June, and unemployment at a decade low of 3 per cent — which the Anwar government has touted as achievements, real incomes for many Malaysians have lagged while food and dining costs have soared.