KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim responded with a touch of humour when asked about the large-scale protest demanding his resignation, quipping to reporters: “I wasn’t invited.”
He made the remark in Putrajaya after officiating the 2025 Prime Minister’s Cup Debate Finals, hours before the Perikatan Nasional-led rally swelled into one of the largest demonstrations in recent months.
Thousands dressed in black and wearing white headbands began gathering as early as 7am near the Sogo shopping complex before marching to Dataran Merdeka.
Chants calling for the prime minister’s resignation rang out alongside banners and placards criticising the government over issues such as the rising cost of living, suppression of free speech, and policies deemed unfriendly to the rakyat.
While the protest was clearly directed at him, the prime minister had earlier instructed the police to allow the gathering to proceed peacefully, stating his respect for the right to assemble. His press secretary had said the government welcomed democratic expression as long as it remained orderly and free of provocation.
Kuala Lumpur police estimated a crowd of between 10,000 and 15,000 and activated traffic diversions on 16 roads around the city centre.
Security was tight throughout, with heavy police presence and PAS’ Unit Amal maintaining order along the route from Masjid Negara to the square. – July 26, 2025