Crowd disperses after Pas rally at Dataran Merdeka

11 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pas-led rally came to a peaceful conclusion this evening, with participants dispersing after singing the national anthem at Dataran Merdeka.
The rally, which saw participants assembling at five different meeting points before marching to the historic square, proceeded smoothly without any reported disturbances.
After the rally, trash and food waste from the programme were seen being disposed of accordingly by workers and organisers.
The rally was attended by several political leaders, namely Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

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It's a no-confidence vote by the rakyat, says Takiyuddin

Free Malaysia Today

7 hours ago

Free Malaysia Today

It's a no-confidence vote by the rakyat, says Takiyuddin

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should take heed of the turnout at today's rally and make the decision to resign. KUALA LUMPUR : PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has likened the turnout of nearly 20,000 people at the Turun Anwar rally today as a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Takiyuddin said Anwar should take heed of the turnout at today's rally and make the 'moral decision' to resign instead of waiting for a confidence motion to be brought against him in the Dewan Rakyat. He also dismissed tabling a confidence motion, saying the number of MPs who would vote against Anwar may not reflect the sentiments of Malaysians nor reflect the number of Malaysians who were at the rally today. 'That's why, to us, the real vote of no confidence is from the rakyat. That is what should be considered. When the prime minister sees this many people calling for his resignation, he should pay attention,' rather than wait for action to be taken against him in the Dewan Rakyat, Takiyuddin said when met after the rally ended. The rally at Dataran Merdeka, organised by PAS Youth, was aimed at pressing for Anwar to resign as prime minister. The youth wing claimed that more than 200,000 people took part, although police estimated that just 18,000 rally-goers were present. Anwar had previously dared his rivals to table a parliamentary motion, saying he had already asked Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul to give priority to the motion if it was tabled.

Anwar reaffirms commitment to free speech after KL rally, urges dialogue beyond the streets

Borneo Post

9 hours ago

Borneo Post

Anwar reaffirms commitment to free speech after KL rally, urges dialogue beyond the streets

People gather for the 'Turun Anwar' rally at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur July 26, 2025. – Malay Mail photo KUALA LUMPUR (July 26): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his administration's commitment to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, following the 'Turun Anwar' rally in the capital that drew an estimated 18,000 participants. In a Facebook post today, he expressed gratitude to security and emergency personnel and called for continued democratic engagement beyond protests. 'I extend my utmost appreciation to all members of the security forces — from the police, fire department, medical teams, and volunteers — who have served with agility, discipline and high dedication,' Anwar said, crediting them for ensuring public safety and a smooth event. Addressing the crowd that had gathered, Anwar wished them safe journeys home and urged continued participation in national discourse. 'Criticism and differing views should not be seen through the lens of hostility,' he wrote. 'In fact, they must continue to flourish and thrive as the lifeblood of a mature, progressive and sovereign nation-state.' Anwar, who has long styled himself a reformist leader, said he remains 'steadfast and consistent' in upholding democratic principles, particularly the right to free speech and criticism. He also pointed to the Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQT) in Parliament as proof of his administration's openness to scrutiny. 'Members of Parliament are free to ask any question directly, and to raise objections to me as prime minister directly,' he said. 'I urge you to continue pressing MPs to attend and actively participate, especially in PMQT.' The prime minister went on to invite Malaysians to move beyond protest alone, encouraging them to 'engage in dialogue and discourse, find common ground, and chart and build this nation together.' He added, 'Not merely on the streets, but by rising to explore, master and seize new frontiers so that this country can be propelled forward with strength and vigour.' Ending his post on a forward-looking note, Anwar invited the public to return to Kuala Lumpur in the near future, highlighting upcoming restoration efforts at historic sites such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. 'These landmarks are undergoing large-scale conservation so we can boost tourism and support the economy in the capital, rich with historical value, hope, and national spirit, especially in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. The Facebook post comes after a peaceful rally earlier in the day, organised by Opposition figures and civil society groups to protest against the rising cost of living and demand political accountability. Among the speakers were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, former prime ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Perikatan Nasional information chief Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau. Police said the event ended without incident. – Malay Mail Anwar Turun rally free speech kuala lumpur

[UPDATED] Anwar jokes about Pas-led rally, says he was not invited

New Straits Times

10 hours ago

New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Anwar jokes about Pas-led rally, says he was not invited

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave a humorous response to the Pas-led rally held today, saying simply: "I was not invited." He made the remark when asked to comment on the protest when met by reporters after the 2025 Prime Minister's Cup Debate Finals. Police anticipate a turnout of between 10,000 and 15,000 people at today's rally. The rally aims to pressure the government over issues such as the rising cost of living and alleged institutional failures. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail had said that police would facilitate the assembly. Police had also advised the public to plan their journeys in advance and use public transport where possible to avoid congestion in the city centre.