Thousands of Malaysians protested in Kuala Lumpur against rising living costs and the absence of promised reforms by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government. This rally is significant as it marks the first major protest in Malaysia since Anwar's election in 2022. Demonstrators have expressed dissatisfaction over Anwar's inability to fulfill his electoral promises, especially regarding corruption and living conditions. Amidst the protests, Anwar had recently announced cash handouts to citizens in an effort to address public concerns but faced criticism for perceived inaction on key issues.
Protesters gathered at various points in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, before converging on Independence Square, carrying placards saying, 'Step down Anwar,' as dozens of police officers kept a close eye.
He [Anwar] has already governed the country for three years and has yet to fulfill the promises he made, said Fauzi Mahmud, 35, from Selangor just outside the capital.
The cost of living is still high. Al Jazeera's Rob McBride, reporting from Kuala Lumpur, said protesters clearly believe that the prime minister has not delivered on the reforms and the transparency he promised when he was elected.
Days before the rally, he laid out a string of populist measures aimed at addressing voters' concerns, including a cash handout for all adult citizens and a promise to cut fuel prices.
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