Thousands Protest Against Malaysian Leader Over Broken Promises 

Thousands of Malaysians took to the streets of the capital, Kuala Lumpur, over the weekend, calling for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s resignation over accusations that he failed to curb rising living costs and deliver on promised political reforms more than three years after taking office, Al Jazeera reported. 

Saturday’s large-scale protest, organized by opposition parties, was the first major protest in Malaysia since Anwar took office following the 2022 general election. Protesters marched through the capital’s streets holding placards that read “Turun Anwar”, Malay for “Step down Anwar”. 

Organizers said that around 500,000 people participated, while authorities estimated around 50,000 demonstrators. 

Anwar came to power on a reformist platform, pledging to combat corruption and overhaul Malaysia’s political system. However, his administration has come under growing scrutiny for lagging on those reforms amid ongoing economic pressures.  

Earlier this month, the government expanded sales and services tax, increased the price of electricity, and reduced fuel subsidies, according to the Straits Times. 

While inflation and unemployment have remained low, many Malaysians have complained about lagging incomes and rising food costs. 

Amid the public backlash, Anwar announced a series of measures last week that observers described as an attempt to dampen the protests. 

The prime minister said all Malaysians aged 18 and over would receive a one-time $23.70 cash handout beginning Aug. 31. He also promised that 18 million motorists would soon be eligible to purchase subsidized medium-octane fuel at $0.47 per liter, down from $0.49.