PN need more than one "Himpunan Turun Anwar"

As usual after any rally, the post-"Himpunan Turun Anwar" (HAT) discussion evolved around the estimated numbers attended. 

Police put an estimate of between 10 to 15,000 before the demonstration. The number is likely to be larger with Reuters reporting at 18,000. While organising PAS leaders claimed between 300,000 to as high as 500,000, 30,000 is more logical.

To cut the argument short, its acknowledged that the turnout was credible. It is not as much as the 2019 ICERD rally, nevertheless it was a good turnout from the East Coast states of PAS. However, the takeaway of any political rally should be whether it achieved any deliverables. 

More so, social media went viral over demonstrators inability to answer the simple straightforward but pertinent question of who the opposition Perikatan Nasional's choice to replace the Anwar to "turun". 

Indication points to the attendants' present were neither motivated by any justifiable cause not up-to-date on current political issues and the supporters were just there doing their bit for the party.    

Political gimmick

There is no prominent opposition leader by the name of Safwan. While Afnan is still a youth leader still green on matters of public interest or lacking in knowledge on social, economic and political issues.   

And, it is laughable that a speaker at the rally was at the top of his lung raising issue of government unable to fill up the vacant Chief Justice post, in which a week ago it was announced as Wan Farid and official swearing in is today.  

Muhyiddin could claim innocence for his corruption charges to a clapping crowd with the mere excuse that essentially admitted Syed Mokhtar's was given tax exemption for giving bribes to PPBM. 

Speakers of PAS and Perikatan Nasional leaders among them were Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Abdul Hadi Awang, Hamzah Zainudin, and others, all called for Anwar’s resignation and harped on rising cost of living, lack of judicial reform, and alleged corruption failings. 

Zaid Ibrahim's posted speech did not vary from the rest.  

However, most analysts noted the rally lacked clear policy alternatives or reform proposals, focusing heavily on slogans rather than solutions. Zaid's subsequent FB postings here and here became more defensive. 

Critics described the turnout as a failure, given the inflated claims by organizers. Even within the opposition, some labeled the event a scripted political gimmick detached from reality.  

Analysts agreed with the ground observation of former DAP assemblyman Ronnie Liew that the protest drew mainly Malay participants (around 95%) and lacked broader community representation, thus limiting its claim as a “people’s movement” 

Comparing to Bersih

Compared to past large-scale rallies such as Bersih demonstrations, the turnout is visibly less. It is predominantly Malay and opposition supporters, not diverse participation, multi-ethnic, NGO- and public-driven as in Bersih. 

The main focus of Himpunan Turun Anwar was to demand the PM's resignation over global phenomenon of rising cost of living and limited, isolated governance concerns. It pales in appeal to Bersih's demand for electoral reform, clean government, and democratic rights.

Former PM Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad notably addressed the crowd, expressing frustration, "It’s been three years, what have the people got? I think he (Anwar) enjoys seeing us suffer. Enough, please, step down.” 

PAS and Perikatan Nasional leaders (including Muhyiddin Yassin, Hamzah Zainudin, Hadi Awang) spoke on grievances including economic hardship, unmet reform promises, judicial politicization, and nepotism. Their messaging framed Anwar’s administration as disconnected from everyday struggles despite positive macroeconomic headlines.

Organisers also presented “100 reasons” (though only 99 unique items) listing issues ranging from political interference in judicial processes to subsidy rollback and lack of reforms. 

As far as substance, the speeches were mostly slogans, lacking in-depth discussion of current state of global economic conditions and limited alternative proposals. It is unlike Bersih's clear reform demands and democratic framing.

The public perception potrayed was rearguard political activism or resistance to change activism, which is not as appealing to the new generation voters and more for rural voters base, not genuine civic movement. 

The impact is underwhelming turnout, mere hype, and only symbolism. Though the ferried-in crowd was substantial, it lacked any form of catalyst for broad reform dialogue and for any sustainable momentum.

Bersih rallies featured a civic-driven, multi-ethnic coalition with articulated policy demands and mobilized hundreds of thousands—making them benchmarks for democratic, reform-oriented protests. In contrast, Turun Anwar was viewed by many analysts as politically orchestrated, primarily focused on toppling the current government rather than offering policy alternatives. 

Growing public discontent

Prof James Chin and Dr. Tunku Mohar emphasised the driving force behind the rally: bread-and-butter issues and unmet promises. 

Undoubtedly, the event was seen as a signal of growing public discontent, especially around cost of living and political trust frustration despite encouraging economic indicators. 

Anwar inherited an economy with debt that reached 64% of GDP from Muhyiddin. He has his hands tight and may have procrastinated from taking the decisive needed fiscal reform in fear of the economic impact on the people and the potential political fallout.  

Analysts pointed to the lack of substantive economic or governance plans as a key weakness. Key speeches zeroed in to highlight the economic grievances, political disappointment, and symbolic dissent. Still it lacked the broad-based appeal, policy clarity, and civic-led momentum. 

Rather than shifting the political balance, the rally reinforced opposition narratives without expanding public participation or presenting forward-looking solutions.

Peaceful

The government allowed for the demonstrations to proceed without any constraints imposed but it was improper for DBKL to order the removal of the main stage, citing permit and safety issues despite earlier assurances from police to allow a simple structure using two 4WD vehicles. 

There were protest from the organisers who expressed frustration and suggested mixed directives from authorities caused confusion and could dampened turnout.  

Despite the setback, the rally proceeded largely peacefully. Some participants performed afternoon prayers, and symbolic acts included whipping an effigy of Anwar Ibrahim with a rotan, which drew cheers and media attention. 

Surrounding businesses remained operational; vendors sold "Turun Anwar" shirts and accessories along the protest route. 

Anwar Ibrahim could afford to subtly brush aside the rally with the post-rally response to reaffirm democratic principles and the right to peaceful dissent, describing criticism as an indicator of political maturity and a healthy democracy. 

Generally the rally can be commended for being peaceful and well-coordinated, showcasing legitimate democratic expression—even if it fell short of disrupting the political status quo. 

In the final assessment, the “Himpunan Turun Anwar” rally succeeded in drawing attention, offering space for dissent, and reinforcing opposition narratives. 

It fell short of goals in terms of scale, cross-community participation, policy substance, or building sustained momentum capable of forcing political change. Still work in progress for Perikatan Nasional.

Its three days after the rally, the mainstream and social media attention are already diverted to yesterday's ceasefire agreement brokered by Malaysia but claimed credit by Donald Trump and lesser discussion on the rally. 

One can anticipate Perikatan Nasional to hold more rally to build up the momentum till the next General Election. They need to seriously fill it up with more substantive issues than just discontent and grievances. Its the same economic issues happening globally.

In the meanwhile, Anwar need to focus more on his role as Minister of Finance, less on politicking and talking. "Its (about) the economy, stupid," as Bill Clinton once uttered in a Presidential debate. 

Something this blogger has not wavered since BN willingly cooperated with PH to form the Unity Government. Country before politics.