Anwar’s big surprise? Malaysians sceptical over ‘tribute’ teaser post

A cryptic promise from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has become the latest lightning rod for Malaysia’s restless public, whose patience is wearing thin after months of new taxes, political scandals and economic anxiety.

The post, which was met with widespread derision, appeared just hours after nearly 1,000 lawyers had marched to the prime minister’s office in Putrajaya, protesting alleged government meddling in judicial appointments.

Malaysia’s digital town square fired back with its trademark blend of wit and scepticism. Comments flooded in, many laced with biting humour about the government’s recent expansion of taxes on goods and services, which came into force on July 1.

“Salam Madani. Is it a new tax? New subsidy removal? The sale of other assets to Blackrock?” one social media user asked, invoking Anwar’s “Madani” slogan – a Malay word that translates to “civilisation”.