Tens Of Thousands Of People Protested In Kuala Lumpur Demanding Anwar Ibrahim To Resign

Security situation in Kuala Lumpur/PHOTO via Instagram @anwaribrahim_my

Tens of thousands of people rallied in the Malaysian capital on Saturday demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, amid growing public dissatisfaction over rising cost of living and allegations of failure to realize promised reforms.

Protesters, mostly wearing black T-shirts and bands bearing the slogan "Depart Anwar", or "War Anwar" lined up at the heart of the city of Kuala Lumpur, before gathering in the Square of Independence to hear the speeches of leading opposition leaders.

Police estimate 18,000 people participated in this demonstration.

Anwar, who campaigned with a reformist platform before taking office in November 2022, faced criticism of measures aimed at increasing government revenue, including expanding sales and service taxes as well as subsidy adjustments that some fear could lead to a surge in consumer prices.

The Malaysian prime minister this week announced the provision of cash assistance, increased aid for poor households, and promises to lower fuel prices, in an effort to ease concerns over rising costs.

Protester Nur Shahirah Leman, 23, a member of the Islamic student group, said he was worried that the new tax and higher electricity rates imposed on large companies would eventually be borne by consumers.

"These taxes are borne by manufacturers, so they will automatically affect food prices," he said.

Anwar also faces accusations of judicial interference and doubts over his commitment to anti-corruption efforts, after the public prosecutor dropped corruption charges against several figures allied with the government and followed recent delays in the appointment of high-ranking state judges.

Anwar has repeatedly denied having interfered in court matters.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who turns 100 this month, joined the demonstration and accused Anwar of abusing his post to demand his political rivals, a charge previously denied by the prime minister.

"Those who are innocent will be charged, those who are guilty will be released," Mahathir told the masses.

Mahathir and Anwar, his former students who are now rivals, have been involved in a fierce feud that has dominated Malaysian politics for nearly three decades.