MALAYSIA and fellow ASEAN member states are hopeful that ongoing street demonstrations in Indonesia will be resolved swiftly, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday.
Speaking to reporters after attending a community engagement event at Masjid Jamek Bandar Baru Seri Petaling, near Kuala Lumpur on Friday, Anwar noted that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had given him an update on the situation during a recent meeting in Beijing.
“President Prabowo informed me that the situation is improving. We pray for the best for Indonesia, as it is not only an ASEAN nation but also a close friend and kindred nation,” he said.
On 29 August, the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta confirmed it was closely monitoring the protests, which have gripped central areas of the capital, including the Senayan district.
The unrest, which began earlier in the week, was reportedly triggered by public anger over lavish allowances received by Members of Parliament. Protests escalated after a delivery rider, Affan Kurniawan, was struck and fatally run over by a police vehicle during a demonstration calling for fair wages and an end to political privilege.
Hundreds have since rallied outside the Brimob special police headquarters in Jakarta, demanding accountability.
Meanwhile, Anwar expressed hope that Thailand would soon form a new government following political upheaval in the kingdom.
“Once everything is in order, I will make contact with them,” he said, referring to the political transition in Bangkok. On Thursday, the Thai parliament was scheduled to vote for a new prime minister following the dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra by court order last week.
Separately, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to upholding democratic freedoms, including the right to protest — provided it is exercised peacefully and within legal bounds.
“The government will not obstruct protests as long as they are lawful and non-violent, without threats or slander,” he stated.
“People have every right to voice their concerns. But setting fire to leaders’ homes or spreading lies is unacceptable,” he said, in response to questions about whether similar unrest could erupt in Malaysia.
Anwar highlighted that under the current administration, ministerial allowances have been reduced, salaries foregone, fuel prices cut, and public allocations increased — all steps he said were in the people’s interest.
“We are willing to consider more initiatives in the upcoming budget. But for all this to happen, the country must remain peaceful, the people must work hard, and the economy must grow,” he added.
Anwar also cautioned against destabilising rhetoric, including false allegations of links to Israel.
“Making such accusations, like calling someone an Israeli agent, is not only false but unethical and disgraceful,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded his remarks after performing Friday prayers and participating in a MADANI community outreach programme organised by the Federal Territories Mufti Department. - Sept 5, 2025
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