Thousands of Malaysians gathered in Kuala Lumpur to protest rising living costs and demand Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s resignation. The rally, organized by opposition parties, marked the first major protest in Southeast Asia’s sixth-largest economy since Anwar’s election in 2022.
Protesters converged on Independence Square, carrying placards that read “Step down Anwar” as dozens of police officers kept a close eye. Fauzi Mahmud, a 35-year-old protester from Selangor, expressed his dissatisfaction with Anwar’s government, saying, “He [Anwar] has already governed the country for three years and has yet to fulfil the promises he made.” Mahmud added that Anwar “has been to many countries to bring investments, but we have yet to see anything”.
The protesters clearly believe that Anwar has not delivered on the reforms and transparency he promised when he was elected. According to Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride, “This is one of the largest protests we have seen on the streets of Kuala Lumpur in several years,” with demonstrators calling for Ibrahim to step down.
In an attempt to address voters’ concerns, Anwar recently announced a string of populist measures, including a one-off payment of 100 ringgit to all adult citizens and a promise to cut fuel prices. However, political analysts view these announcements as a strategic move to appease increasing public frustration and dissuade people from joining the protest.
Despite the protests, a survey released in June found that Anwar has a 55% approval rating, with reasons including the easing of political turmoil and efforts to raise Malaysia’s profile through its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Anwar was appointed prime minister on a reformist ticket, promising to tackle corruption, nepotism, and cronyism within the nation’s fractured political system. The protesters’ demands reflect their perception that Anwar’s government has not done enough to address the rising cost of living and other pressing issues.