KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — The streets of Kuala Lumpur pulsed with the sound of unified voices today as hundreds gathered in protest, demanding change from Malaysia’s leadership. The rally, branded as Perhimpunan Turun Anwar, was led by PAS Youth and drew people from all walks of life.
By 10 a.m., the area surrounding Sogo shopping complex began to buzz. By 11:45 a.m., a sizeable crowd — many dressed in black and waving Palestinian flags — had taken form. They chanted “Turun Anwar” and “Turun Hari Ini,” making their frustrations loud and clear.
Not far away, outside the historic Masjid Jamek, another group echoed similar sentiments, though their numbers were smaller. Participants from various states, including Kedah, Johor, and Melaka, proudly shouted out their hometowns in response to rally organizers who asked, “Dari mana?” (Where are you from?).
Among the growing crowd, discussions about wider political dissatisfaction emerged. The Sabah scandal was also brought to the forefront, with protestors calling for the resignation of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The movement wasn’t just a call against one man; it was a collective outcry against issues impacting multiple layers of governance.
By early afternoon, protestors began their march toward Dataran Merdeka, with expectations running high for speeches from key PAS figures including Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Adding weight to the rally’s momentum, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was also anticipated to speak at 5 p.m.
Throughout the city, the atmosphere remained intense but peaceful. Police presence was significant, with officers managing crowd flow and ensuring safety. At Masjid Negara, access was sealed off as a preventive measure. Near Masjid Jamek LRT, officers guided participants to safer areas and kept traffic disruptions minimal.
The chants—“Hidup Rakyat!” (Long live the people) and “Turun Anwar!”—echoed through the streets. More than a protest, the event became a display of deepening public disillusionment and a demand for accountability. In a time where many feel unheard, today’s rally was a reminder: the people still have their voices, and they are using them.
