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Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Reflections from a Chinese Malaysian who attended the 'Turun Anwar' rally
Letter to Editor I WAS one of those minority non-Malays who attended the 'Turun Anwar' rally last Saturday. Crowd size debates aside, it was a success. Peaceful, orderly, and held with purpose. But if we are being honest, something was missing, and it was not just the numbers. What stood out most to me was the diversity, or in this case, the lack of it. I have been attending rallies since the Bersih days. Back then, the streets were filled with Malaysians from all walks of life and different backgrounds. The vibes were euphoric and there was a festival-like atmosphere to it. You felt like you were part of something bigger. At 'Turun Anwar', that multiracial spirit was hardly there. As a Chinese Malaysian, I could not help but notice how few non-Malays were present. This is not a criticism of those who stayed home, but a reflection of how disconnected they feel from today's opposition. A key part of this disconnect lies with the opposition leadership. For a movement to feel national, its leaders must sound national too. Instead, we are left with someone who once openly declared himself 'Malay first'. That statement, though made years ago, continues to shape public perception. It is difficult to expect broader support when the top opposition figure still carries the weight of that remark. This is not a personal attack on Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin but it is fair to say that many Malaysians do not see him as a leader for all. His passivity as head of the country's opposition bloc stood in stark contrast from the passionate leadership that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had portrayed when the latter was leading the charge to bring down Barisan Nasional. Anwar's fiery speeches and how he was victimised by state apparatus such as going to jail, captured the imaginations of Malaysians. As head of the opposition coalition, Muhyiddin was content with rehashing media statements. Sadly, most non-Malays do not relate to the eighth prime minister, especially with several court cases hanging over his head and a son-in-law who is on the run. The opposition needs someone who can bring all Malaysians together with credibility and vision. Malaysia deserves an opposition that is inclusive, forward-looking, and unafraid to lead. Until then, many of us will stay away from such rallies and for better or worse, opt for the lesser of the two evils. Unless, of course, a new figure steps forward to change the conversation. ‒ July 28, 2025 Sebastian Ong Cheras, Kuala Lumpur The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Malay Mail/Firdaus Latif
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Umno must embrace digital shift to engage youth, says Zambry
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno must take charge of the digital narrative, expand its presence on new media platforms, and actively engage younger voters to maintain its relevance, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. He emphasised that politics has evolved into the digital age, where perceptions and sentiments are rapidly shaped through social media and online discourse. 'This new challenge demands that Umno adopts fresher, more flexible, and pragmatic approaches. We cannot remain confined to outdated methods,' Zambry stated in a Facebook post. The Barisan Nasional secretary-general and Higher Education Minister clarified that modernising strategies does not mean abandoning Umno's core principles but rather presenting its values in a more effective and inclusive manner. He also highlighted the importance of unity within the party, calling it the foundation of Umno's strength over its 79-year history. 'Internal divisions will only weaken the party's survival,' he cautioned. - Bernama
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
‘Step Down Anwar': Thousands march through Malaysian capital to demand resignation of PM Anwar
Anwar, who campaigned on a reformist platform before taking office in November 2022, has faced criticism over measures aimed at boosting government revenue, including an expanded sales and services tax and subsidy adjustments that some fear could lead to a spike in consumer prices. Protesters – mostly wearing black t-shirts and bandannas carrying the slogan 'Turun Anwar', or 'Step Down Anwar' – marched through the heart of Kuala Lumpur, before converging in the city's Independence Square to hear speeches by top opposition leaders. Police estimated at least 18,000 were in attendance. Kuala Lumpur: Thousands of people rallied in the Malaysian capital on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as public discontent grows over rising living costs and allegations of failing to deliver promised reforms. Protester Nur Shahirah Leman, 23, a member of an Islamic students' group, said she was worried that new taxes as well as higher electricity tariffs imposed on large businesses would eventually be passed down to consumers. 'These taxes are levied on manufacturers, so it would automatically affect the prices of food,' she has also faced claims of judicial interference and doubts over his commitment to anti-corruption efforts, after prosecutors dropped graft charges against several figures allied to the government and following a recent delay in the appointment of the country's top judges. Anwar has repeatedly denied interfering in the courts. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 100 this month, joined the rally and accused Anwar of misusing his position to prosecute political rivals, charges the premier has previously rejected. 'Those who are innocent are charged, those who have done wrong are let go,' Mahathir told the crowd. Mahathir and Anwar, his former protégé-turned-rival, have been locked in an intense feud that has dominated Malaysian politics for nearly three decades. The pair mended fences to oust the long-ruling Barisan Nasional government in 2018, but their coalition collapsed in less than two years amid infighting. This report is auto-generated from Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also Read: ASEAN Nations Gather in Vietnam to forge Post-2025 Vision
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Umno decisions focus on national stability, says Ahmad Zahid
RAUB: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the party's decisions, even if unpopular, are made to safeguard the nation's stability and future. Speaking at the Raub Umno Division Delegates' Meeting, he emphasised that leadership roles demand responsibility and principled choices. 'No matter how high our position is in the party or government, we must realise that every post is a trust that must be carried out with full responsibility,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Deputy Prime Minister, called for unity and resilience among members to rebuild the party's strength after electoral setbacks. He urged Umno members to learn from past failures, referencing the party's inability to form the government in the last two general elections. 'Enough of the divisions, quarrels, shooting at each other, and hidden saboteurs within. Let us learn from past weaknesses and fix Umno and Barisan Nasional from within,' he said. At a press conference later, Ahmad Zahid addressed concerns about Umno members participating in a recent rally in Kuala Lumpur. 'Umno is now part of the MADANI Government, and we must strengthen, not undermine, the government that is in place,' he said. – Bernama
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
BN Sabah not a backup, but ready to lead — Suhaimi
Suhaimi KOTA KINABALU (July 27): Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah is not a second option in the state's political landscape but a force ready to lead with proven capacity, said Libaran Member of Parliament and Sabah Umno Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir. In a firm statement issued on Sunday, Suhaimi stressed that the cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) was not born out of crisis or political desperation, but through deliberate, strategic discussions aimed at ensuring long-term stability in Sabah. 'Politics is not about who pats each other on the back today, but about who truly has the capacity to lead Sabah forward,' he said. He added that the BN-PH cooperation was never intended as a political lifeline for any party. Instead, it was forged with a clear objective — to establish a stable, inclusive, and people-centric government ahead of the upcoming 17th Sabah state election (PRN17). 'BN Sabah is not a mere complement to any political coalition. We are not a second option. We are a team ready to lead this state, equipped with proven experience, solid organisational structure, and real capacity,' Suhaimi stated. He explained that the ongoing political negotiations between BN Sabah and PH partners are part of their election preparations and are not driven by personal or partisan agendas. 'Since the beginning, BN Sabah has consistently emphasised the need to form a government that is truly stable, inclusive, and focused on the people — not one that depends on temporary arrangements or political manoeuvring,' he said. Suhaimi's remarks are seen as a clear signal of BN Sabah's intention to play a leading role in shaping the state's political future, as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of PRN17.
