Rakyat air their concerns

The Star

3 days ago

Exercising their right: Protesters gathering during the Turun Anwar rally at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Crowds gathered at five major points in the capital city, calling for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step down as Prime Minister as they voiced their discontent over his leadership.
Despite the rain and haze, the demonstrators grouped at Sogo shopping mall, Masjid Negara, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad and Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru before marching to Dataran Merdeka.
The grievances at the Turun Anwar rally yesterday ranged from 'dishonoured promises' to taxes, and what they deemed were failed reforms and political intimidation by the government.
Chants of 'Turun Anwar' were heard in Bahasa Malaysia, Tamil and Chinese.
Among those who addressed the rally was former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He challenged Anwar to take him to court if he is wrong in the Batu Puteh issue.
'This country has courts, judges and public prosecutors. But Anwar did not use these,' he said.
'You are not a judge, you are a prime minister. You cannot decide who is guilty. Only the judges can determine whether I am wrong or not,' he said.
Dr Mahathir spoke of how he had resigned from office when he lost the support of his party, not even the people.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin accused Anwar of not being mindful to the plight of Malaysians.
'The value of the ringgit has dropped but the cost of goods has gone up,' he said.
Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said the rally was an early signal that the Anwar administration would fall.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin warned that more assemblies would come.
'We do not want RM100, Anwar. We want Anwar to step down,' he said, referring to the cash aid announced on Wednes­day.
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said they had gathered 'to take down a leader who has not fulfilled his promises'.
Among the attendees was restaurant manager Mohd Amri Ismadi, who drove from Ipoh.
'Everyday has been a struggle, especially in recent years. We are expected to tighten our belt.
'Do we have to cut corners until we lose what remains of our modest life?' said Mohd Amri, who is in his 30s.
Store keeper Shamsul Safawi, 55, who attended the rally despite being unwell, said he wanted to add to the show of the people's discontent.
'What is most upsetting is the empty promises. I feel it is best he steps down and let other leaders take over, ' he said.