Anwar’s big surprise? Malaysians sceptical over ‘tribute’ teaser post
Malaysia’s prime minister posted a cryptic ‘Coming Soon’ message on social media on Monday, stirring speculation about what it could mean
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.
Late on Monday, Anwar posted a stylised silhouette and the words Akan Datang (Coming Soon) across his social media accounts, promising a special gesture of “extraordinary” appreciation for all Malaysians.
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”.
Another, riffing on the American band My Chemical Romance’s coming Kuala Lumpur concert, quipped: “My Cukai Romance singer?”. Cukai is Malay for “tax”.
Malaysia’s government has faced mounting criticism in recent weeks from businesses and the wider public over its new taxes, which cover imported goods and services in sectors such as insurance, financial planning and private education. Industry groups warn these measures could stoke inflation by raising operational costs.
A nepotism scandal has also rocked Anwar’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) after his daughter, Nurul Izzah, was elected its deputy president – a move that prompted two senior cabinet resignations and inflamed public frustrations.
Malaysians are now bracing for further pain as the government prepares to end blanket petrol subsidies later this year. In a nation where the number of privately owned vehicles exceeds the population and public transport options are often lacking, petrol is essential for many.
Anwar’s administration has also weathered fierce criticism over the sale of a stake in Malaysia Airports Holdings, the national airport operator, to Global Infrastructure Partners, now owned by US investment giant BlackRock – a company critics accuse of supporting Israel.
The move has drawn particular ire in Malaysia, where support for the Palestinian cause is deep-rooted and Anwar has positioned himself as a leading regional critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, which the UN says has claimed more than 57,000 Palestinian lives and counting.
Grand pronouncements
Anwar has a history of relying on suspense in his announcements. In 2020 as opposition leader, for instance, he claimed to have secured “formidable and convincing” support from enough MPs for a political coup. He announced the move in front of a packed news conference, but did not say how many MPs had backed his claim nor give a timeline for his planned succession, which ultimately failed.
Later, as prime minister, Anwar launched a high-profile corruption crackdown that he said would go after even those once thought to be untouchable. Observers read this as a clear warning to his mentor-turned-rival Mahathir Mohamad, who Anwar long accused of nepotism and corruption during his first 22-year turn as prime minister. But no charges have been levied as yet.
Speculation has swirled online since Monday evening that Anwar’s promised surprise might be linked to disgraced former prime minister Najib Razak’s ongoing bid to serve out the remainder of his prison sentence for corruption under house arrest, citing a purported royal decree. Social media user Jimmy Cheng asked if the surprise was “the return of super ring man”, referencing Najib’s well-known fondness for the popular local cheese snack.
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Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition came to power in 2018 under Mahathir, returning for his second stint as prime minister, on a wave of anger over soaring living costs and the 1MDB corruption scandal under Najib’s then-dominant Umno party.
The PH-led government fell to a political coup after just 22 months, however, and Anwar has since had to rely on Umno’s support to remain in office after being appointed prime minister following an inconclusive 2022 election – leaving him open to pressure from his former rivals, including calls to secure Najib’s release.
