Turun Anwar: PM's position strengthened or a turning point in Malaysian politics?
With turnout estimated at under 30,000 and largely dominated by Malay-Muslim participants, the event exposed deeper undercurrents in Malaysian politics.
Professor James Chin observed the lack of multiracial participation and NGO support, pointing to the rally's limited appeal beyond Perikatan Nasional and PAS's core base.
'There was minimal NGO support and virtually no traction with the non-Malay communities,' said Chin, adding that this reflected a failure to build a broad-based coalition for change.
He also cited the involvement of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a liability.
'Mahathir's credibility is no longer what it once was. Many see his stance as driven more by personal animosity toward Anwar than genuine reform,' Chin said, concluding that the rally may have inadvertently strengthened Anwar's position.
However, Australian academic and long-time observer of Malaysian politics Dr Murray Hunter interpreted the rally as a powerful statement by PAS.
'This wasn't just about Anwar stepping down. It was about who will rule Malaysia in the future.'
Hunter noted the absence of the Reformasi-era crowd and warned that parties like PKR and Amanah may struggle to stay relevant in the future.
'Malaysia is now at a crossroads, between a reformist democracy, elite-controlled governance, or an Islamic state.' He added that the turnout suggests a growing ideological shift.
'What we're witnessing is the beginning of a political revolution, led by a generation that believes Islamic governance offers real solutions. The old Malaysia is being challenged — openly and decisively.' —July 27, 2025
Main image: Kosmo
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
4 minutes ago
- The Sun
PAS leader urged to apologise for mocking Malaysia's peace efforts
KUALA LUMPUR: PAS Information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has been urged to issue a public apology to the people of Thailand and Cambodia for mocking Malaysia's diplomatic efforts in brokering a ceasefire between the two countries. Political secretary to the Finance Minister, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, said while the world acknowledges Malaysia's role, particularly Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, in promoting regional peace, the Pasir Mas MP's actions were unpatriotic and an embarrassment to the country. Muhammad Kamil, who is also Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief, said narrow opposition politics must be rejected and that such irresponsible voices should not be allowed to damage the nation's reputation. 'Malaysia will not defend reckless and disrespectful actions by those who show no regard for other nations, especially our neighbours. Likewise, we would not tolerate such insults if they were directed at our own country. 'Islam calls for reconciliation, yet political hatred is being used to dismiss peace efforts. We will continue to uphold Malaysia's name through diplomacy, not empty rhetoric. We believe in humanitarian solutions, not hostility,' he said in a Facebook post today. Muhammad Kamil also stressed that the peace effort between Thailand and Cambodia transcends party politics and individual interests, and reflects the country's honour. 'This is about Malaysia's standing as a respected regional leader. From the President of the United States and President of China to the entire ASEAN community, the world welcomed this initiative, but our opposition chose to respond with cynicism. 'They forget that during their time in power, no diplomatic breakthrough of this scale was achieved. Now that the MADANI government is actively engaging in international diplomacy and conflict resolution, the opposition resorts to sowing hatred and resentment,' he said. Earlier, Fadhli posted an image on social media depicting a goat and a sheep fighting over a banana, with a monkey acting as the judge, along with a caption that read: 'The goat and sheep shouldn't need a monkey to mediate a dispute over a banana.' Yesterday, Anwar announced that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to ease tensions along their disputed border, following a special meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in Putrajaya. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai attended the meeting. - Bernama
Borneo Post
4 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Abang Johari holds discussion with Anwar ahead of Malaysia-Indonesia meeting in Jakarta
Abang Johari (second left) and Hajiji (left) during the discussion with Anwar. – Photo via Facebook/Sarawakku KUCHING (July 29): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg kicked off his official working visit in Jakarta, Indonesia today with a private discussion over breakfast with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. According to a post on Sarawakku, the Premier's official Facebook page, the closed-door discussion, held at the Prime Minister's place of residence in the Indonesian capital, was in preparation for the yearly consultative meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Also present was Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Mohd Noor. Various matters of bilateral interest and importance with Indonesia including border issues and Asean cooperation on renewable power generation and distribution were believed to have been discussed and expected to be brought up for discussion with the Indonesian authorities. Later, the Malaysian delegation proceeded to the Istana Merdeka where Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to host the visiting delegation. The Premier's entourage arrived in Jakarta yesterday morning ahead of the Prime Minister's delegation which landed later last night. Abang Johari anwar ibrahim jakarta lead meet
Sinar Daily
4 minutes ago
- Sinar Daily
Pas leader urged to apologise for mocking Thai-Cambodia ceasefire initiative
Narrow opposition politics must be rejected and that such irresponsible voices should not be allowed to damage the nation's reputation, says the AMK chief. 29 Jul 2025 11:57am Political secretary to the Finance Minister and AMK chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim - Photo by Bernama KUALA LUMPUR - Pas information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has been urged to issue a public apology to the people of Thailand and Cambodia for mocking Malaysia's diplomatic efforts in brokering a ceasefire between the two countries. Political secretary to the Finance Minister, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said while the world acknowledges Malaysia's role, particularly Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, in promoting regional peace, the Pasir Mas MP's actions were unpatriotic and an embarrassment to the country. Muhammad Kamil, who is also Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief, said narrow opposition politics must be rejected and that such irresponsible voices should not be allowed to damage the nation's reputation. "Malaysia will not defend reckless and disrespectful actions by those who show no regard for other nations, especially our neighbours. Likewise, we would not tolerate such insults if they were directed at our own country. "Islam calls for reconciliation, yet political hatred is being used to dismiss peace efforts. We will continue to uphold Malaysia's name through diplomacy, not empty rhetoric. We believe in humanitarian solutions, not hostility,' he said in a Facebook post today. Muhammad Kamil also stressed that the peace effort between Thailand and Cambodia transcends party politics and individual interests, and reflects the country's honour. "This is about Malaysia's standing as a respected regional leader. From the President of the United States and President of China to the entire Asean community, the world welcomed this initiative, but our opposition chose to respond with cynicism. "They forget that during their time in power, no diplomatic breakthrough of this scale was achieved. Now that the Madani government is actively engaging in international diplomacy and conflict resolution, the opposition resorts to sowing hatred and resentment,' he said. Earlier, Fadhli posted an image on social media depicting a goat and a sheep fighting over a banana, with a monkey acting as the judge, along with a caption that read: "The goat and sheep shouldn't need a monkey to mediate a dispute over a banana.' Yesterday, Anwar announced that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to ease tensions along their disputed border, following a special meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in Putrajaya. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai attended the meeting. - BERNAMA More Like This
