Thousands Rally Kuala Lumpur Demand PM Anwar Resignation

Thousands of Malaysians gathered in Kuala Lumpur to protest against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, demanding his resignation amid rising living costs and perceived failures to deliver promised reforms. Demonstrators, estimated between 18,000 and 50,000, marched wearing black with slogans like "Turun Anwar" (Step Down Anwar), criticizing tax hikes, subsidy cuts, and judicial interference allegations. Despite Anwar's efforts to ease economic pressures through cash handouts and fuel price reductions, public frustration remains high, with concerns that increased taxes on businesses will inflate consumer prices. The protests also spotlight accusations of political interference in the judiciary, with dropped charges against government allies and delayed judicial appointments fueling skepticism. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad joined the demonstrations, sharply criticizing Anwar for targeting political opponents while shielding allies, exacerbating a longstanding political rivalry. The unrest underscores a deepening political crisis and growing demands for urgent economic and governance reforms in Malaysia.