KUALA LUMPUR – Thousands of people have 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! People rise!)” some of them also chanted as the group marched towards Dataran Merdeka, or Independence Square, which would be the final gathering place for the rally.

They were to be joined by crowds that had likewise started marching from Masjid Jamek, Sogo Mall and Central Market to protest against Datuk Seri Anwar, who

.

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.

Among those slated to headline the rally are former prime ministers Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin. Tan Sri Muhyiddin is co-leader of PN with Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) president Abdul Hadi Awang, who will also be present.

Organisers and rally-goers hope to raise several issues and grievances that include cost-of-living concerns, especially after the

in July, a hike in the electricity rate, and a reduction in fuel subsidies.

Mr Aiman Zafri, 28, who owns a satay business, had turned up at the rally not just to voice his concerns about rising costs, but also to take the opportunity to make some income.

Armed with a trolley of cold drinks for sale, he told The Straits Times that he has found it more difficult to make ends meet compared with five years ago. “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 said.

Other attendees were worried about increasing curbs on freedom of speech amid a clampdown on social media postings critical of the government.

A 25-year-old undergraduate told ST that she decided to attend the rally as she was unhappy with the Premier, especially after the 2024 incident where

was arrested and probed over his artwork that criticised the appointment of Sabah governor Musa Aman.

“What happened to his promise of reform and allowing the freedom of speech? Fahmi used to march and supported him and PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) during the Bersih rallies,” she said, declining to be named for fear of backlash.

And there were also those who wanted to highlight the looming Urban Renewal Act for Kuala Lumpur districts, which critics fear will push poor Malays out of redeveloped urban centres.

The last few weeks have seen smaller Turun Anwar rallies and motorcycle convoys all over the country, with speakers including Tun Dr Mahathir, Mr Muhyiddin and Datuk Seri Hadi at some venues.

In an open letter to the public, rally organisers listed problems facing the nation, including the

which raised the cost of goods and services, a lack of reforms that Mr Anwar had promised, the failure to reduce the cost of living, and perceptions that corrupted leaders are being protected.

The large gathering of mostly Malays on July 26 is reflective of Mr Anwar’s failure to address the community’s concerns, said Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun, adding that this could be an indication that the Premier has not been able to secure the support needed from this particular group.

“A rapidly urbanising Malay population has yet to see Anwar delivering stable jobs, sufficient income and affordable prices to them, and many are attracted to PAS’ alternative sociopolitical narrative,” said Dr Oh.