
'Turun Anwar' rally: A call for unity to save Malaysia from impending crisis of sorts
Editor's Note: The PAS-backed rally will take place on July 26 (Saturday) at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.
Anwar who has yet to complete even one full term in office has betrayed the trust of Malaysians by failing to uphold democratic values.
The most alarming issue is his interference in the judiciary – a cornerstone of democracy. His refusal to extend the service of former chief justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat despite her stellar record and the quiet removal of other senior judges raises serious concerns of executive overreach.
In stark contrast, the term of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, a figure mired in controversy has been extended three times under Anwar's leadership.
Under Anwar's administration, Malaysia has drifted further into a crisis of inequality. While the PM speaks grandly of foreign direct investments (FDI) and national progress, ordinary Malaysians are left to suffer:
The Sales and Services Tax (SST) tax hike has further squeezed the working and middle class.
Consumer prices are soaring, placing essential goods out of reach for many.
Youth unemployment remains high with no clear policy direction to create meaningful, sustainable jobs.
Public healthcare and education systems are under-funded while lavish funds continue to flow into mega projects that do not benefit the rakyat.
'Progress has stifled'
Anwar has become a symbol of broken promises and elite capture. The rhetoric of reform has been replaced by authoritarian practices and protection for political allies, ie the use of state institutions like the MACC as weapons against opponents.
Malaysia's foreign debt is now in the trillions of ringgit yet Anwar continues to promote the illusion of economic stability.
Promised billions in FDIs remain invisible with no factories, jobs or infrastructure to show for them. The people are right to ask: Where is the progress? Where is the prosperity?
The so-called Madani Economy has failed to lift the rakyat's quality of life. Instead, Anwar's leadership has plunged the country deeper into political instability, economic stagnation and social discontent.
The Turun Anwar rally is more than just a protest. It is a collective cry from the people – a demand for accountability, justice and the restoration of democracy.
Malaysians from all walks of life, all races, and all religions must come together to reclaim the future of the nation.
Let this be a turning point in Malaysian history. Let us stand united against tyranny, corruption and incompetence.
Let July 26 be the day Malaysians rise – not for any political party – but for the nation. – July 13, 2025
Former DAP Bagan Dalam state assemblyman, Satees Muniandy, is today the interim secretary of United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai).
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Images credit: HarakahDaily
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
27 minutes ago
- The Star
New vehicle inspection centres to open soon, says Transport Minister
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians can expect new privately-run vehicle inspection centres to start operations in the coming months, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said that his ministry has appointed four companies to conduct ownership transfer inspections for private vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre (PPKM) initiative. Loke added that the move is part of the government's effort to ease congestion at existing Puspakom facilities, which currently hold a monopoly on such inspections. "This is a new initiative by the Transport Ministry to introduce additional Motor Vehicle Inspection Centres specifically for ownership transfer inspections involving private vehicles,' he said. "The appointment of these new centres is one of our efforts to increase the availability of ownership transfer inspection services in the market and reduce congestion at existing PPKM outlets," he added at a press conference on Wednesday (July 16). The four companies appointed are Carro Technology Sdn Bhd, Carsome Academy Sdn Bhd, Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd, and Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd. He said they were selected out of seven firms initially offered to participate in the nationwide implementation of this new policy. While the appointments are conditional, Loke said some firms have expressed readiness to begin operations earlier than the given timeline. "We have granted them 12 months to prepare their facilities in line with the operational guidelines. "However, we understand that some companies are ready to begin within three months, and if so, we are prepared to issue licences within that timeframe," he said. Loke explained that the inspections under the ownership transfer inspection (M.V.15) category are relatively simple and involve basic checks such as verifying chassis numbers. "These ownership transfer inspections are straightforward. However, when conducted at Puspakom alongside heavy vehicle inspections, even in separate lanes, they contribute to overall congestion. "That is why we decided to open up the market to more players," he said. Loke said the latest appointments mark a shift towards a multi-operator licensing system, departing from the previous single-operator concession model. "What we've done is break the monopoly. Users now have choices other than Puspakom," Loke said. According to him, all newly appointed companies must comply with strict requirements under the ISO/IEC 17020:2012 standards and integrate with the MySIKAP system before commencing operations. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) must also approve their facilities, he said. Loke added that the expansion of PPKM services is expected to boost healthy competition and improve the overall quality of vehicle inspections, thereby enhancing road safety for all users. While the current initiative focuses solely on private cars, Loke said the government may consider expanding mandatory ownership transfer inspections to motorcycles in the future. Loke added that there are over nine million motorcycles registered in the system. 'At the moment, we do not require inspections for motorcycle ownership transfers, but we will assess the need, especially given the risk of stolen motorcycles being sold without verification,' he said.


Malay Mail
27 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
MACC chief apologises to Teoh Beng Hock's family 16 years after death, offers financial support for child
KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki today offered an apology to the family of Teoh Beng Hock, the political aide who was found dead in 2009 at the anti-graft body's Selangor office building. On the 16th anniversary of Teoh's death, Azam said the MACC acknowledges findings from various investigations over the past 16 years on Teoh's death, including the police's latest probe which had been given the 'No Further Action' classification by the Attorney General's Chambers. 'Although the latest investigation did not uncover sufficient evidence to charge any individual under the law, the MACC views with utmost seriousness the fact that the late Teoh Beng Hock was found deceased on MACC Selangor premises on 16 July 2009. 'This tragic incident has had a profound impact not only on the deceased's family but also on all MACC personnel and the nation as a whole,' he said in a statement today. 'In light of this, I, as the Chief Commissioner of the MACC, wish to express my deepest sympathies and extend an apology to the family of the late Teoh Beng Hock for the pain and suffering they have endured over the years,' he added. Azam noted that the Malaysian government had previously on May 12, 2015 paid RM600,000 as compensation to Teoh's family, as well as RM60,000 in legal costs as a full and final settlement. 'Nevertheless, as a gesture of compassion, MACC is prepared to provide a goodwill contribution to the late Teoh's family for the purpose of supporting the welfare and educational needs of his child,' he said. Azam did not disclose the amount of the proposed goodwill contribution. In the same statement, Azam listed reforms that the MACC has taken since Teoh's death to safeguard the welfare of individuals assisting in MACC's investigations. He said the improvements include the establishment of Video Interviewing Rooms (VIR) to record statements from witnesses, detainees, and suspects; as well as relocating the Witness Interview Room to the ground floor to allow easier access and enhanced transparency during monitoring. The MACC, he added, has upgraded its CCTV systems with advanced technology, increased the number of cameras, and positioned them strategically to monitor and record the movements and behaviour of all individuals entering its premises. Iron grills have also been installed at MACC buildings in line with the authorities' guidelines, while investigating officers now use Body Worn Cameras (BWC) during investigations to record all operations and ensure officer integrity. He further noted that the MACC has adopted the UK interview model known as PEACE (Planning, Engage, Account, Closure, Evaluation), which emphasises both effectiveness and safety, and that this has been adapted locally as the MACC PEACE model. 'MACC remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold integrity and transparency in all aspects of its duties and to continuously strengthen institutional reforms,' he concluded. Recommended reading:


New Straits Times
31 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Our intelligence is top notch, says Saifuddin after militant arrests
PUTRAJAYA: The arrest of 36 Bangladeshis suspected of involvement in a foreign militant network is proof that Malaysia's intelligence capabilities remain world-class, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Saifuddin said the arrests were the result of close coordination between the police's Special Branch, the Immigration Department, and other related agencies. "This success shows that our intelligence is operating at the highest level. If it wasn't, we would not have been able to intercept and stop this group," he said at a press conference after attending the Home Ministry's monthly assembly here today. The suspects were detained in three separate operations in Selangor and Johor between April and June. Police believe the group was actively recruiting from Malaysia's migrant labour sector to support radical activities and may have been collecting funds to finance terrorism. Saifuddin said Malaysia would never tolerate its territory being used as a base for extremist recruitment or fundraising — regardless of the origin or targets of such groups. "Whether the intended target is the government of their home country or elsewhere, Malaysia must never be used as a platform. We will not compromise when it comes to threats of terrorism," he said. He added that the successful operation further reinforced Malaysia's commitment to safeguarding national security and regional stability. On July 4, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that no Malaysians were involved in the arrests of 36 Bangladeshis accused of spreading the Islamic State ideology in Malaysia. He said all those arrested were Bangladeshis working in the factory, construction and service sectors. Khalid added police are actively tracking down others involved in spreading the IS ideology in Malaysia to prevent the nation from turning into a logistics and transit hub for extremist activities. Bangladesh has also pledged full cooperation with Malaysian authorities in investigations involving 36 of its nationals arrested in recent security operations for alleged links to a radical militant movement. Its Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a statement, said the government is closely monitoring developments, with the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur maintaining close communication with the relevant Malaysian authorities.