by Dr Rahim Said
In what can only be described as an exemplary exercise in political maturity, the Madani government — yes, that Madani government — has graciously decided to let its citizens gather on July 26 in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, under the scorching sun and the watchful eyes of 2,000 uniformed guardians of peace, to demand the Prime Minister’s resignation.
Let us pause for a moment and clap.
Because in a world where some governments would rather unleash water cannons, baton-wielding enforcers, or “technical difficulties” with mobile networks when people dare to disagree, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has chosen to… let it happen.
Truly, a statesman among statesmen.
In a live-streamed message delivered with a tone as soothing as your favourite ASMR video, the PM’s senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah declared that PMX had ordered the Royal Malaysia Police to ensure that there would be no intimidation or obstruction of the protest.
Imagine that: a Prime Minister personally instructing the police to allow a protest calling for his own stepping down.
Now that’s what you call commitment to reform — or at the very least, a masterclass in public relations.
Of course, some cynics (not me, certainly) might say, “Well, what’s the point of a peaceful protest if it ends with everyone shaking hands, going home, and the status quo remaining untouched?”
But let us not be jaded. Let us instead celebrate this rare Malaysian moment where the government says, “Come out, say what you like — as long as you’re peaceful and don’t park illegally.”
We might consider erecting a statue to commemorate this moment — a bronze protestor waving a placard that says “Turun!” while being handed a chilled bottle of mineral water by a smiling police officer. Sponsored, of course, by the Ministry of National Unity.
But jokes aside, this does say something about Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership style. He’s no stranger to street protests. The man practically built his political identity through Reformasi rallies. That he now sits at the top and allows a rally against himself to proceed peacefully speaks volumes.
It could be that he’s confident in his government’s strength and sees the gathering as nothing more than a democratic tickle. Or perhaps he knows that letting people blow off steam is far safer than letting resentment fester underground. Whatever the calculus, it’s smart politics.
That said, we should still proceed with cautious optimism. After all, in Malaysia, the winds of tolerance can shift direction depending on whether it’s an election year or how heated the Twitter discourse has become lately.
So come July 26, when thousands descend upon the capital shouting “Turun Anwar!” — remember to bring your MyKad, sunscreen, and your best peaceful vibes.
You’re not just participating in a protest; you’re contributing to a democratic dance choreographed by none other than the man you want to see replaced.
And if that’s not magnanimity, I don’t know what is.
Bravo, Madani. You’ve let the people speak — now let’s see if you can handle what they say.
(The views expressed here are entirely those of the writer)
WE