PAS could be wooing PKR's ‘splinter group' to make up numbers in July 26 'Turun Anwar' rally

Focus Malaysia

6 hours ago

WHETHER the upcoming Turun Anwar rally is manifestation of public anger at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as claimed by its organiser PAS Youth or otherwise, it cannot be denied that efforts are being directed at luring the disgruntled pro-Rafizi faction in PKR to make up the numbers.
This is obvious as evident in an invitation extended to 'all Walaraf (slang for staunch followers of ousted PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli) and folks of Kampung Springfield (which is inspired from the fictional setting of American animated sitcom The Simpsons)'.
Saya akan hadir. Ayuh semua! Walaraf & orang2 Kampung Springfield turut dijemput bersama 😝 https://t.co/F4HV1wiuya pic.twitter.com/bH3feJSvxN
— Siditious (@Solisidtor) June 16, 2025
Doubtlessly, numerous opposition-orchestrated anti-Anwar/Madani government rallies in recent times have met with lukewarm success with the latest being the Himpunan Melayu Berdaulat on May 24 to protest the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA) on grounds that it threatens Malay demographics and marginalises low-income urban communities.
However, attempts to capitalise on the growing frustrations of PKR grassroots loyalists amid claims of nepotism following the rise of the party president's eldest daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar as the second most powerful person in PKR – or amid allegations that the reformasi spirit is dead – remain a formidable task.
'One man at fault'
As highlighted by pro-Rafizi influencer 𝖠𝖿𝗋𝖺𝗅'𝗌 (@AfralAbdullah), questions abound about PAS' sincerity and what are the offers on the table:
Can PAS and its leadership be trusted?
What are the risks to PH (Pakatan Harapan) if they also take shelter under the 'Big Umbrella'
If there truly is a 'Big Umbrella,' can PAS undermine Anwar's position as PM from within by applying pressure or, worse, influencing Barisan Nasional (UMNO) to leave the PH-BN alliance, thus paving the way for the UMNO president to become PM?
Ketua Pemuda PAS Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden berkata perancangan awal mengadakan perhimpunan bagi membantah cadangan kerajaan memperkenalkan Akta Pembaharuan Semula Bandar (URA) ditukar kepada himpunan 'Turun Anwar'. (N. Faizal Ghazali, Mkini)
Timbul persoalan~
i) Bolehkah PAS…
— 𝖠𝖿𝗋𝖺𝗅'𝗌 (@AfralAbdullah) June 15, 2025
Stating that the Turun Anwar rally slated for July 26 in Kuala Lumpur is not merely a protest against the URA per se, PAS information chief Fadhli Shaari contended that it carries a broader message on the urgent need to realign the country's direction which he claimed has veered off course under the Madani government.
'This rally stems from the awareness that the root cause of various national problems – from the failure of promised reforms, suppression of free speech, to the rising cost of living – all point to the failed leadership of one individual: Anwar Ibrahim,' he told PAS mouthpiece HarakahDaily.
'There are even voices among PH component party leaders who are starting to ask: if not Anwar, then who? Such questions reflect a lack of understanding or confusion about our country's administrative system.
'If the PM resigns, the Deputy PM can assume duties or the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may appoint any MP whom he believes commands the majority support. Are those asking this question implying that the current DPM is unfit to replace Anwar?' – June 17, 2025