THE opposition-led ‘Turun Anwar’ rally proceeded largely peacefully on Saturday (26 July), as crowds of participants clad in black began marching towards Dataran Merdeka from various points around the capital from as early as 7am.
A large contingent of supporters initially gathered outside Sogo along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, donning black attire and white headbands as symbols of solidarity.
According to on-ground observations, other congregation points included Masjid Negara, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Pasar Seni, and Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru – all of which were under tight surveillance by personnel from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
The PDRM’s drone unit was also deployed to provide aerial monitoring throughout the day to ensure order and safety.
By 1pm, groups of demonstrators began moving in phases towards Dataran Merdeka, with major routes such as Masjid Jamek and Pasar Seni lined with security personnel to prevent any untoward incidents.
Authorities confirmed that, as of mid-afternoon, the situation remained calm and under control, with no major disturbances reported.
However, police did intervene at the rally site over a stage that had been erected by organisers at Dataran Merdeka. Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said the structure had been built without prior authorisation from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
“No official application was submitted to DBKL for the stage, which also did not meet safety assurances, particularly regarding the number of individuals who would be on it,” he said in a statement.
As part of initial agreements between police and organisers, only two four-wheel-drive vehicles were allowed to serve as a makeshift platform for speeches.
DBKL also confirmed that it removed tents and related equipment brought in by organisers, stating that only city council vehicles were permitted at the site.
Meanwhile, social media was abuzz with footage and posts about the unfolding rally, with student activists, social media influencers and civil society figures visibly present.
At Pasar Seni, impromptu speeches and chants echoed through the streets as groups made their way to the main gathering at Dataran Merdeka.
Zohor prayers at Masjid Negara and Masjid Jamek saw unusually large congregations, resembling Friday prayers. Many participants were believed to be out-of-town supporters who had travelled to Kuala Lumpur for the rally.
In a separate statement, Dewan Pemuda PAS Malaysia released hotline numbers for rally participants to call in the event of police detention.
As the crowds swelled near Dataran Merdeka, chants of “Turun Anwar” reverberated through the air, accompanied by speeches from political leaders. By 2pm, anticipation was high for the climax of the protest, with the presence of senior opposition figures expected.
PAS security personnel, Jabatan Amal volunteers, PDRM, and DBKL officers were all observed working closely to maintain order and facilitate crowd management.
It was also reported that many PAS and Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders had assembled at the party’s headquarters along Jalan Raja Laut and were expected to join the main rally after Zohor prayers. - July 26, 2025
