BUKIT MERTAJAM – Supporters of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have accused the organisers of the “Turun Anwar” movement of attempting to topple the Madani government, as they gathered at his childhood home in Cherok Tok Kun to counter a rally planned by the opposition-led group.
Two peaceful protests took place earlier today near Sekolah Kebangsaan Juara, close to Anwar’s residence, which was placed off-limits by police.
One was organised by Sekretariat Bara Juang Negara, a pro-Anwar group, while the other was led by local PAS leaders under the “Turun Anwar” banner.
Speaking to fellow supporters, Sekretariat Bara Juang Negara chairperson Khairul Ishak urged PAS supporters—referred to by some as “walaun”—to respect boundaries and refrain from targeting the prime minister’s family home.
“What’s happening is simple. The walaun couldn’t bring down the government through backdoor means,” he said, referencing attempts to engineer a political shift without an election.
“They’ve tried lobbying nearly all MPs, but most remain with the prime minister. With no other option, they’re resorting to the ‘Turun Anwar’ rally.”
Several other speakers echoed Khairul’s sentiments, criticising the opposition for staging a protest near Anwar’s home rather than seeking a vote of no confidence in Parliament.
“Which PN MP is even fit to be the next prime minister? If you don’t have a candidate, stop wasting time trying to unseat Anwar,” said one speaker.
Approximately 100 Anwar supporters—including local PKR leaders, members from 20 NGOs, and grassroots activists—turned out in support of the government, roughly twice the number of participants in the “Turun Anwar” protest, which drew around 50 people.
Meanwhile, Penang PAS Youth vice-chief Mohd Hafiz al-Baghoni, who led the anti-government rally, said the twin demonstrations were a sign of healthy democratic expression.
“This is how democracy should function—both sides have the right to speak,” he told reporters.
“We’re here to represent those unhappy with the government’s decision to expand the Sales and Services Tax (SST).”
Hafiz added that today’s event was part of a build-up towards a larger “Turun Anwar” rally scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 26.
Despite the verbal jabs exchanged between both camps—marked by chants of“Hidup Anwar”, “Reformasi”, “Tolak Walaun” and“Tolak Anwar”—the gatherings concluded peacefully at around 6.30pm. — July 11, 2025