Throughout his years as an activist and much of his political career, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been seen as a symbol of resistance against oppression and a catalyst for change in Malaysia. He promised reform, justice and a more inclusive government – ideas that resonated with a population frustrated by decades of corruption and cronyism under previous ruling coalitions.
But less than three years into his term as prime minister, many Malaysians – both supporters and sceptics – are beginning to question whether Anwar is truly delivering the change he promised.
A major rally, dubbed ‘Himpunan Turun Anwar’ (Rally demanding Anwar to step down), is scheduled for July 26 in Kuala Lumpur, and is expected to draw between 10,000 and 15,000 participants. Police expect people to start gathering as early as 11am at various locations in Kuala Lumpur before they start marching to Dataran Merdeka at 2pm.
It could offer the clearest public signal yet of the growing discontent with his leadership. With some 2,000 police officers and personnel set to be deployed for the event, analysts say the protest could mark a turning point in Anwar’s leadership – or at the very least, serve as a wake-up call to his administration.
What went wrong?
According to analysts, it boils down to two main issues – the economy and broken political promises.
“People are really angry because the cost of living is hurting everyone,” said Professor James Chin, a Malaysian political expert based at the University of Tasmania, Australia.
Associate Professor Dr Tunku Mohar Mokhtar, of the Department of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, agreed.
“It’s bread-and-butter issues. Despite the government’s announcements on investments and a growing economy, the counterpoint is simple – people feel none of this on the ground. They’re complaining that they are spending more on necessities,” said Tunku Mohar.
Basic groceries, fuel and housing are more expensive. Many Malaysians are struggling to make ends meet. Chin said a clear sign of this is Malaysia’s rising household debt, which shows how much people owe, compared to what they earn.
At the same time, Anwar’s administration has made decisions that feel like broken promises. One sore point is the Sales and Services Tax (SST). Many see it as merely a rebranded version of the highly unpopular Goods and Services Tax (GST), which was partly responsible for the fall of the Barisan Nasional government in 2018.
“Everybody knows SST is just GST with a new name,” said Chin. “People feel betrayed, especially because Anwar promised he wouldn’t bring GST back.”
Sharing his reality, a small eatery owner told Twentytwo13 that changes in the electricity tariff, a new rate for cooking gas used in businesses, and more expensive groceries were choking his operations with additional costs.
“Small businesses are dying because they cannot cope with the rising costs while trying to keep food prices reasonable. Customers are also spending less because their salaries remain stagnant,” he said.
His eatery survives only with help from family members, whom he pays with allowances instead of salaries.
“I don’t know how long I can keep up with this,” he said.
Where are the reforms?
When Anwar became prime minister in November 2022, many Malaysians hoped he would push through long-awaited political reforms, including stronger anti-corruption efforts and greater judicial independence.
Instead, he’s been criticised for reappointing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Seri Azam Baki for a third term and for not extending the term of Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, the first woman to hold the post. These decisions raised eyebrows among civil society groups and voters who once viewed Anwar as a reformist.
His administration also retained the Sedition Act, despite his party’s election promise to repeal the draconian law, which has often been used to suppress free speech.
What is this Saturday’s rally about?
The upcoming July 26 rally is expected to be the most organised protest against Anwar’s leadership to date. It is largely being led by opposition parties, especially Pas – an Islamist party with strong grassroots support among ethnic Malays.
But its impact will depend on who turns up.
“If it’s just Pas supporters, it won’t change much – they’re preaching to the choir,” said Chin. “But if the rally attracts ordinary Malaysians who aren’t aligned with the opposition, then it should signal something.”
That said, the actual impact may be limited.
“The only way to remove a government is through Parliament or an internal coup. Anwar will survive because he commands a strong majority in Parliament, with the support of parties like Umno – and by extension Barisan Nasional – and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” Chin said.
Professor Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan, Fellow at the Institution of Malay Rulers Chair at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, said Anwar should not take the rally lightly.
“He has to recalibrate if he wishes to sustain his grip on power and position in a Malay-majority country,” he told Twentytwo13.
Earlier today, Anwar challenged his critics to bring a vote of no confidence against him in Parliament. He also warned that any attempts to incite chaos would be met with firm action.
“I do not have a problem being criticised, but if there are any attempts to stir chaos, no country will be safe. All the good progress will be undone without stability,” he said.
A day earlier, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar reminded civil servants not to join the rally, calling it inappropriate.
“They should not go. They are civil servants. How can they join? Every day, every week, we pledge loyalty to the King and country. Have they forgotten?” he was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama.
Interestingly, as the date of the rally approaches, Anwar has teased a “mystery” announcement for the people – described as a gesture of “extraordinary appreciation for Malaysians”.
What could the surprise announcement be?
“No idea,” said Chin. “It could probably be some sort of subsidy programme.”
Whether that announcement – likely to be made tomorrow or Wednesday, according to Anwar – will soften public frustration or dampen turnout at the rally, remains to be seen.
