Approximately 250 protesters took to the streets today in a demonstration dubbed Rakyat Lawan Anwar (People Against Anwar), demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Clad in black attire, some participants also donned keffiyehs or watermelon symbol clothing to show solidarity with Palestinians.
According to Free Malaysia Today, the rally commenced outside Seri Perdana, the official residence of the prime minister, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as Allahuakbar, Lawan, lawan Anwar (Fight Anwar), Undur, undur Anwar (Step down, Anwar), and Halau BlackRock (Reject BlackRock). Notable figures such as lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, Bersatu members Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, and Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, were seen participating in the rally.
Despite a police warning declaring the demonstration illegal, the Demi Negara movement proceeded with the protest. Aidil Yunus, the rally's organizer, had announced on Thursday that the demonstration would continue regardless of the legal threat. Aidil outlined eight key demands of the rally-goers, including halting the increase in RON95 petrol prices, addressing the local rice shortage, and tackling unresolved issues from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the protesters called on the government to take immediate action on the rising cost of living, protect public healthcare staff, ensure fair wages, uphold freedom of speech, and maintain economic sovereignty.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Isa had earlier emphasized that the rally would be illegal due to the failure of organizers to obtain the necessary consent from Perbadanan Putrajaya, the landowner, as stipulated under the Peaceful Assembly Act (Act 736). Aidil, however, refuted the need for such consent, arguing that the land is funded by taxpayers and not private property.
The demonstration highlights ongoing tensions and public dissatisfaction with the current administration, reflecting broader concerns over economic and social issues in Malaysia.Hundreds Rally in "Rakyat Lawan Anwar" Demonstration Despite Police Warning.
Source: FMT
