• Thousands of Malaysians protested in Kuala Lumpur, demanding PM Anwar Ibrahim's resignation.
• Demonstrators expressed discontent over rising living costs and unmet reform promises.
• The rally marked the first major protest since Anwar took office in November 2022.
• Anwar announced cash handouts and fuel price cuts, seen as a response to public frustration.
• Political analysts view the protest as significant ahead of potential future elections.

On July 26, thousands of Malaysians rallied in Kuala Lumpur, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in response to rising living costs and claims of unfulfilled reforms. Protesters, mostly clad in black, marched through the city to Independence Square, holding banners that echoed the slogan “Turun Anwar” or "Step Down Anwar." Estimates from police cited attendance figures as high as 18,000 people, marking a critical moment for public dissent in Malaysia's political landscape, according to channelnewsasia, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.

Protesters voiced their frustrations, asserting that Anwar has failed to deliver on promises made during his campaign, particularly related to economic reforms. Fauzi Mahmud, a protester from Selangor, stated, “He has already governed the country for three years and has yet to fulfil the promises he made,” suggesting that Anwar's initiatives so far have been insufficient. His statements reflect a broader sentiment that the cost of living remains high despite Anwar’s recent efforts to mitigate economic pressures, according to The Jakarta Post and Dawn.

In advance of the protests, Anwar announced several populist measures, including a cash handout of RM100 (approximately $24) for eligible citizens and planned reductions in fuel prices. Analysts interpreted these announcements as strategic attempts to quell rising public discontent and discourage participation in the protests. Despite these efforts, many participants felt that such concessions were too little, too late, with many expressing doubt over his government’s sincerity toward reform, highlighting a significant disconnect between policy proposals and public expectation, as noted by channelnewsasia, Reuters, and Dawn.

Political veteran Mahathir Mohamad, who has had a tumultuous history with Anwar, also joined the protests, accusing him of misusing his position and failing the Malaysian people. His presence added historical weight to the event, signaling long-standing fractures within the Malaysian political arena. This protest, seen as one of the largest in several years, serves as a pivotal moment of collective dissent against Anwar's leadership, according to The Jakarta Post and Reuters.