Thousands in Malaysia Protest Rising Living Costs, Demand PM Anwar Ibrahim’s Resignation

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – On Saturday, July 26, 2025, thousands of Malaysians took to the streets of the capital to protest soaring living costs and the perceived failure of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government to deliver promised reforms. The rally, organized by opposition parties, marked the first major protest in Southeast Asia’s sixth-largest economy since Anwar assumed power in 2022.

Protesters gathered at various points across Kuala Lumpur before converging on Merdeka (Independence) Square, carrying placards with slogans such as “Turun Anwar” (“Step Down Anwar” in Malay). Dozens of police officers monitored the event closely. Fauzi Mahmud, a 35-year-old protester from Selangor, expressed frustration, stating, “He [Anwar] has governed for three years and has yet to fulfill the promises he made. He’s been to many countries to bring investments, but we have yet to see anything.” He also highlighted the persistent high cost of living.

Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride, reporting from Kuala Lumpur, noted that the demonstrators “clearly believe” Anwar has failed to deliver on his pledges of reform and transparency. “This is one of the largest protests we have seen on the streets of Kuala Lumpur in several years,” he said, adding that protesters are calling for the prime minister’s resignation.

Anwar, elected on a reformist platform in November 2022, promised to address corruption, nepotism, and cronyism within Malaysia’s fractured political system. However, his administration’s measures, including a minimum wage hike, increased electricity tariffs for heavy users, and an expanded sales and services tax, have drawn criticism for potentially passing higher costs to consumers, including low- and middle-income earners.

In response to growing public discontent, Anwar announced several populist measures days before the rally. On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, he revealed that all Malaysians above 18 years would receive a one-off cash payment of 100 ringgit ($23.70) starting August 31, with the government allocating 15 billion ringgit ($3.55 billion) for cash aid in 2025, up from 13 billion ringgit. Additionally, approximately 18 million Malaysian motorists will be eligible to purchase subsidized medium-octane fuel at 1.99 ringgit ($0.47) per liter, down from the current 2.05 ringgit ($0.49). Political analysts viewed these announcements as attempts to appease public frustration ahead of the protest.

The rally saw speeches from prominent opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who criticized Anwar, his former protégé-turned-rival, saying, “It’s been three years, what have the people got? I think he enjoys seeing us suffer. Enough, please, step down.” Police and city officials estimated 18,000 to 50,000 participants attended the protest.

Despite the unrest, a June 2025 survey by the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research indicated that 55% of Malaysian voters approve of Anwar’s performance, citing reduced political turmoil and Malaysia’s elevated profile through its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship.