Thousands rally in Malaysia to name for PM Anwar’s resignation

Protesters – principally sporting black t-shirts and bandannas carrying the slogan “Turun Anwar”, or “Step Down Anwar” – marched by way of the center of Kuala Lumpur, earlier than converging within the metropolis’s Independence Square to listen to speeches by prime opposition leaders. Police estimated a minimum of 18,000 had been in attendance. Mr. Anwar, who campaigned on a reformist platform earlier than taking workplace in November 2022, has confronted criticism over measures geared toward boosting authorities income, together with an expanded gross sales and companies tax and subsidy changes that some concern may result in a spike in shopper costs. The premier this week introduced a money handout, elevated support for poor households and a pledge to decrease gas costs, in a bid to quell worries over rising prices.

Protester Nur Shahirah Leman, 23, a member of an Islamic college students’ group, mentioned she was frightened that new taxes in addition to greater electrical energy tariffs imposed on massive companies would finally be handed right down to shoppers.

“These taxes are levied on manufacturers, so it would automatically affect the prices of food,” she mentioned. Anwar has additionally confronted claims of judicial interference and doubts over his dedication to anti-corruption efforts, after prosecutors dropped graft expenses in opposition to a number of figures allied to the federal government and following a current delay within the appointment of the nation’s prime judges. Mr. Anwar has repeatedly denied interfering within the courts.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 100 this month, joined the rally and accused Anwar of misusing his place to prosecute political rivals, expenses the premier has beforehand rejected.

“Those who are innocent are charged, those who have done wrong are let go,” Mahathir advised the gang. Mahathir and Anwar, his former protégé-turned-rival, have been locked in an intense feud that has dominated Malaysian politics for practically three a long time.

The pair mended fences to oust the long-ruling Barisan Nasional authorities in 2018, however their coalition collapsed in lower than two years amid infighting.