Underlying Issues Driving the Protest
1. Economic Discontent
Despite a modest national inflation rate of 1.1%, food and beverage prices climbed 2.1%, sparking widespread frustration . Discontent centered on:
Electricity tariff increases for heavy users
Expanded sales and service taxes
Rising business and import tariffs feared to raise consumer prices
2. Broken Reform Promises
Anwar was elected on a reformist platform pledging to tackle corruption, corporate cronyism, and restore subsidies. Critics now argue little progress has been made:
Aggregated subsidy reforms have brought public hardship
Top graft cases were dropped involving government allies
Judicial delays and alleged interference in court appointments have fueled accusations of authoritarian drift
3. Mahathir Mohamad’s Dramatic Involvement
A striking element of the protest was the presence of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 100 in July. Once Anwar’s political mentor, Mahathir accused him of misusing governmental authority for selective prosecutions:
> “Those who are innocent are charged, those who have done wrong are let go.”
Their fraught relationship—spanning decades of rivalry, alliance, and betrayal—added historic weight to the demonstrations .
Government Response & Mitigation Measures
New Relief Packages
Launched July 23, Anwar’s government unveiled emergency relief measures:
100 ringgit (~$24) cash handout to all adult citizens from August 31
Expanded total aid to 15 billion ringgit in 2025, up from 13 billion
Fuel price cut: RON95 reduced from 2.05 to 1.99 ringgit/litre, with foreign nationals paying full market rates
Announced future removal of blanket subsidies by end of September
Official Warnings & Assembly Restrictions
Civil servants were warned by the Chief Secretary to remain loyal to national principles and discouraged from joining rallies—threats of disciplinary action emerged .
Despite tension, authorities allowed the demonstration, facilitating logistics and traffic routing in accordance with legal protections upheld by a recent Federal Court ruling .
Political and Strategic Implications
The scale of this protest—organized by PAS, Muda, NGOs, student groups, and independent members—suggests a broadening coalition of public grievance beyond traditional opposition voters .
Analysts contend this may be the most significant street mobilization since the Najib Razak era protests, raising serious questions about Anwar’s political capital .
Even surveys in June showed 55% approval for Anwar, reflecting mixed public sentiment: acceptance of political stabilization but frustration over unmet reform expectations .
Why This Matters
First major public challenge to Anwar’s leadership in nearly three years
Highlights deepening rifts in Malaysia’s political landscape amid reform fatigue
Offers a pivotal test: whether newly announced aid measures can address economic woe or are seen as insufficient populist appeasement
The "Turun Anwar" protest on July 26, 2025, marks a turning point in Malaysian politics, signaling widespread public dissatisfaction. Though the government responded with cash aid and fuel relief measures, opposition factions and civil society leaders argue these steps fall short. At 100 years old, Mahathir’s participation signals that discontent spans generations—and cannot be dismissed lightly.
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