Kekal Anwar Chants Fill Dewan Rakyat After Pm Tables 13mp

---

 


PARLIAMENT | The Dewan Rakyat resounded with “Kekal Anwar” chants today after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim finished presenting the much-anticipated 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Government backbenchers immediately rose from their seats, voices raised in support as Anwar wrapped up his address.
The tabling of the 13MP came as the opposition intensified calls for Anwar’s resignation. Anwar responded by daring his critics to table a vote of no confidence, questioning their commitment to removing him from office.
Last weekend, the opposition-led “Turun Anwar” rally drew at least 25,000 demonstrators to Kuala Lumpur, all demanding that Anwar step down.
ADSAnwar had made clear that any attempt to force his resignation must go through proper parliamentary channels. He also promised to prioritise such a motion above all other government business, should it be tabled.
However, with a commanding two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar’s position appears unassailable.
In December 2022, a confidence vote to prove his legitimacy as prime minister passed with just a voice vote, as the opposition declined to call for a bloc vote where each MP’s ballot is tallied.
Goodies for the people
Despite guaranteed success in such a vote, Anwar’s support among Pakatan Harapan voters has taken a hit over the past month, starting with backlash against initial plans to impose a sales tax on all imported fruits - followed by an uproar over concerns of alleged judicial interference.
Anwar has denied the judicial interference claims and walked back planned taxes on imported apples, oranges, mandarin oranges, and dates.
Last Wednesday, he also announced a slew of goodies for the public, including RM100 in grocery aid for adults, as well as plans to lower RON95 prices for Malaysians by six sen to RM1.99 per litre.
On July 29, a PKR member leading a group representing taxi drivers invited the PKR president to attend a Sept 27 rally in support of his administration.
Online portal Free Malaysia Today quoted Gabungan Teksi SeMalaysia president Kamarudin Hussain as saying the rally will be held at Dataran Merdeka, where the “Turun Anwar” rally was held.
Dubbed “Kekal Anwar”, the counter-rally is reportedly aimed at highlighting public support for Anwar’s leadership and his administration’s efforts to carry out reforms.
“We may only represent a small segment of society, but we believe our voice and our presence will have an impact not only within the country but also in the eyes of the international community,” Kamarudin, a former Selayang PKR chief contender, said at a press conference.-Mkini

---