Mass Protests Erupt in Kuala Lumpur Demanding Resignation of PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – On July 26, 2025, thousands of Malaysians converged at Masjid Negara, the National Mosque, in a significant demonstration demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Dubbed the "Turun Anwar" rally, the protest reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the government's handling of various economic and political challenges facing the country. Protesters, many dressed in black, chanted slogans like "Undur! Undur! Undur Anwar!" (Step down! Step down! Step down Anwar) and "Bangkit! Bangkit! Bangkit rakyat!" (Rise! Rise! People rise!) as they marched towards Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square).

This mass gathering was backed by the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance, which organized transportation for thousands of demonstrators from regions outside the Klang Valley. The rally was also attended by notable figures including former Prime Ministers Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin. Both leaders have been vocal critics of Anwar's administration, which has been in power for nearly three years.

The protest was catalyzed by a series of grievances including rising living costs exacerbated by recent economic policies. The recent expansion of the Sales and Services Tax, a hike in electricity rates, and cuts to fuel subsidies have all heightened public discontent. A participant, 28-year-old Aiman Zafri, who operates a satay business, expressed his frustrations about the economic situation. “I used to be able to sell around 200 to 300 sticks of satay. Nowadays, I am lucky if I can sell 100 sticks a day,” he lamented.

Beyond economic concerns, attendees also voiced worries over increasing restrictions on freedom of speech, especially following incidents where critics of the government faced legal repercussions. One undergraduate, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted her disappointment with Anwar's failure to uphold promises of reform and protect civil liberties, citing the arrest of political cartoonist Fahmi Reza as a particularly troubling example.

The rally was not an isolated event; smaller protests and motorcycle convoys had been occurring across the country in the weeks leading up to the demonstration, with prominent opposition figures participating in these events. Organizers released an open letter outlining a myriad of issues plaguing the nation, such as the removal of blanket diesel subsidies, which has contributed to inflated prices of goods and services.

According to Dr. Oh Ei Sun, a Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, the protest's turnout signifies Anwar's failure to address the needs of a rapidly urbanizing Malay population. “Many feel that Anwar has not delivered stable jobs, adequate income, or affordable prices, leading to a growing attraction to the alternative narrative offered by PAS,” Dr. Oh explained.

The implications of this protest extend beyond immediate political ramifications; it signifies a growing divide between the government and the populace, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly disillusioned with the status quo. As Malaysia approaches the next general elections, the ability of Anwar's administration to reconcile its policies with the pressing concerns of its citizens will be critical to maintaining political stability.

This rally underscores the broader context of discontent that could influence future political dynamics in Malaysia, especially as economic pressures continue to mount. The coming months will reveal whether the government can implement effective measures to address these grievances or if public dissatisfaction will continue to escalate, potentially reshaping the political landscape in the country.