11-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
150 from 25 NGOs gather in Cherok Tokkun to voice support for Anwar
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Some 150 people from 25 non-governmental organisations (NGO) gathered at Jalan Kulim, Cherok Tokkun, here to voice support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Chanting "Hidup Anwar", "Hidup PMX" and "Tolak Walaun", they put up a strong and united front towards a group of about 30 counterprotesters at the site.
Sekretariat Bara Juang chairman Khairul Ishak said the groups had gathered to defend Anwar's leadership.
"As such, we gather today to defend the prime minister. He has done many things for the country and the people. We should continue to support him until the very end," he said after the peaceful gathering.
Elaborating, Khairul said they heard that the opposition had wanted to gather at Anwar's family home in Cherok Tokkun here to protest against his leadership.
"They are trying many ways to bring him down but he continues to stand steadfast and strong. They have run out of ideas on how to topple the prime minister.
"We will not allow this to happen. The majority of people are standing firm behind the prime minister," he added.
Khairul said if the issue was with the hike in the sales and service tax (SST), they would go all out to explain to the people.
"We have clear facts and not base on 'auta' facts (lies)," he said.
The gathering by both sides ended peacefully at 6.30pm. There was strong police presence throughout to ensure orderliness.
Although the gathering did not involve politicians, several from the government side were seen, namely Penang state executive councillor Fahmi Zainol and Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon.
