Thousands Protest in Kuala Lumpur Demanding Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s Resignation

Thousands Protest in Kuala Lumpur Demanding Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s Resignation

[Kuala Lumpur, July 26, 2025] — Thousands of people took to the streets of Malaysia’s capital on Saturday to protest against rising living costs and what they claim is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s failure to deliver on promised reforms. This demonstration marked the largest public protest since Anwar’s election in 2022 in Southeast Asia’s sixth-largest economy.

The protest was organized by opposition political parties. Demonstrators gathered at various points across Kuala Lumpur before converging at Merdeka Square. Many held placards reading “Resign, Anwar,” while more than fifty police officers were deployed around the area.

Fauzi Mahmud, a 35-year-old resident of Selangor, said, “Anwar has ruled for three years but still hasn’t fulfilled the promises he made.”
Speaking to AFP, he added, “He’s traveled to Russia and Europe to attract investments, but we’ve seen no benefits. The cost of living remains extremely high.”

Reporting from Kuala Lumpur, Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride noted, “Protesters clearly feel that the reforms and transparency promised by the Prime Minister have not materialized. This is one of the largest demonstrations the city has seen in recent years.”

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim came to power on a reformist agenda, pledging to eradicate corruption, cronyism, and political favoritism.

Just days before the protest, he announced several populist measures aimed at easing public concerns. These included one-time cash assistance for all adult citizens and subsidies on fuel prices.

On Wednesday, Anwar announced that starting August 31, all Malaysians aged 18 or older would receive a one-time payment of 100 ringgit (approximately USD 23.70). He also said that around 18 million drivers would be able to buy mid-grade octane fuel at 1.99 ringgit per liter (around USD 0.47), down from the current price of 2.05 ringgit (USD 0.49).

Political analysts suggest these measures are strategic attempts to reduce public discontent.

However, a survey published in June found that most voters are still satisfied with Anwar’s performance. The independent Merdeka Center for Opinion Research reported that Anwar held a 55% approval rating.

This support has been attributed to his efforts in reducing political instability and enhancing Malaysia’s international image through its current chairmanship of ASEAN.