Aliran welcomes Anwar’s eleventh-hour support for anti-corruption rally

Aliran welcomes Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s eleventh-hour positive response towards tomorrow’s anti-corruption rally in Kuala Lumpur.

For the rally organisers and advocates of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, this was the response they had hoped for, from a government that was propelled to power on the back of past street protests.

Anwar’s response also aligns with constitutional provisions for free speech and freedom of assembly. The only question is, what took him so long to come out and say this?

The lesson to be drawn from this saga is that ordinary people must push back against any attempt to curb their democratic rights.

A string of civil society groups, including Aliran, had spoken out against the authorities’ attempts to obstruct the rally. Many ordinary people also voiced their unhappiness.

In the end, the government had to backtrack in the face of the popular will.

Public support for the rally reflects widespread disgust over corruption and abuse of power, which continues with no let-up.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil owe the people an explanation. They must explain why their authoritarian opposition to the rally – consider their ridiculous ‘conditions’ – stands in stark contrast to the PM’s eleventh-hour support. If they maintain an elegant silence, many might think they ‘didn’t get the memo’ from the top.

Aliran hopes that tomorrow’s rally will achieve its goal of highlighting public outrage and disgust over rampant corruption in Malaysia. We call on the authorities to facilitate this rally so that it can proceed peacefully.  

Aliran executive committee
24 January 2025

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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