WITHOUT even attempting to dispute or downplay exorbitant claims of a “500,000 turnout” at yesterday’s (July 26) PAS-inspired Turun Anwar rally, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instead wished outstation attendees a safe return to their respective destinations.
With a tinge of sarcasm, he even reminded them to return to Kuala Lumpur (KL) in the future as domestic tourists in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026).
This came about as PMX expressed his gratitude to all security personnel – from the police, firefighters, medical teams to volunteers – who have served with agility, discipline and high dedication to ensure public safety and order as well as the smooth running of the rally.
“To all attendees – whether voicing opinions, showing solidarity or coming from afar – I wish you a safe return to your respective destinations. May your journeys be eased and protected,” penned PMX on all his social media pages.
Saya rakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada semua petugas pasukan keselamatan; dari polis, bomba, pasukan perubatan dan sukarelawan yang telah bertugas dengan ketangkasan, disiplin dan dedikasi yang tinggi menjamin keselamatan dan ketenteraman awam serta memastikan… pic.twitter.com/vfYsJVT89e
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) July 26, 2025
“And if you have the opportunity in the future, don’t forget to return to KL. Historical landmarks around the capital, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building at Dataran Merdeka is currently undergoing large-scale preservation to boost tourism and support the economy in the Federal capital in conjunction with VMY 2026.”
On a more serious note, PMX who is also the Finance Minister reiterated that he remains steadfast and consistent in upholding democratic principles, namely freedom of speech and the right to express criticism.
Peaceful rally
“Criticism and differing views should not be seen through the lens of hostility; rather, they should continue to flourish and thrive as the heartbeat of a mature, progressive and sovereign nation,” he asserted.
“What matters is that it must proceed in an orderly, peaceful manner and in the spirit of love for the homeland.”
At the same time, PMX also subtly took a jibe at opposition leaders with tendency to absent from Dewan Rakyat proceedings.
“The same principle has been instilled through the Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT) session in Parliament whereby MPs are free to directly pose any questions and raise objections to me as PM,” he justified.
Thank you Awani sebab sebut puluh ribu je 🤣#TurunAnwar pic.twitter.com/jL1KxSoRv2
— Kak Ton (@AzfarinazAmran) July 26, 2025
“I urge you to continue pressing MPs to actively participate in all sessions, especially the PMQT.”
Though his gesture of extending an olive branch received widespread praises from Madani backers with some even described it as “masterclass”, those who are more neutral reminded PMX that the opposition deserved to be credited for staging a truly peaceful and civilised rally “unlike the past when even the police car was overturned”.
“As promised by the organisers, the purpose of the rally is not to bring down the government of the day or to stage a riot and far from damaging public assets, but simply to ask the PM to resign,” recounted s commenter.
“This action is completely different from the previous street protest groups such as BERSIH and anti-government (anti-BN) groups.”
While praising PMX for his goodwill gesture to the opposition, another commenter apologised for having to caution PMX before “matters fall further astray”.
“Please don’t take the rakyat‘s opinions and voices lightly. Don’t listen to the bootlickers around you. Keep working for Malaysia. ✨” – July 27, 2025
