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By Mihar Dias October 2025
When Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin called for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step down, it was less about personal attacks and more a reflection of growing unease among Malaysians over recent policy directions—particularly the controversial Urban Renewal Act (URA) and the invitation extended to former US President Donald Trump. https://focusmalaysia.my/hamzah-urges-anwar-to-resign-over-ura-and-trumps-visit-to-malaysia/
The large turnout at the opposition rally suggests that public sentiment on the URA deserves closer attention.
Many ordinary citizens fear that redevelopment might come at the cost of long-time property owners and community balance. Hamzah’s reminder to the government—“Don’t fight just for developers”—echoes a concern that urban progress must not leave the people behind.https://focusmalaysia.my/hamzah-urges-anwar-to-resign-over-ura-and-trumps-visit-to-malaysia/
To his credit, Anwar’s administration has shown willingness to review and postpone the URA’s tabling after feedback from various quarters, including UMNO and civil society groups.
This decision indicates that the government is not deaf to public opinion. Still, the episode highlights the delicate balance between driving national development and safeguarding individual rights—especially in a country where land carries cultural and emotional significance.
UMNO’s secretary-general, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, was right to point out that the Act must be reoriented towards people’s welfare, considering environmental, social, and state interests. https://focusmalaysia.my/hamzah-urges-anwar-to-resign-over-ura-and-trumps-visit-to-malaysia/
That should be the spirit guiding all policy revisions—development with compassion.
Hamzah’s remarks about the planned Trump visit may also reflect broader unease among Malaysians about Malaysia’s diplomatic image.
While the government has explained that the invitation is linked to Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, critics argue that symbolism matters—especially when the Palestinian cause remains close to Malaysian hearts.
Rather than viewing Hamzah’s call as an attack, perhaps it should be seen as part of a democratic check-and-balance process.
In a healthy democracy, dissent isn’t disloyalty—it’s a reminder to leaders that power is lent, not owned.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, long known for his reformist ideals, has the opportunity to demonstrate that his administration is indeed one that listens.
By addressing public concerns on the URA transparently and ensuring Malaysia’s diplomatic choices reflect its moral principles, he could turn criticism into credibility.
The people are watching, not with hostility, but with hope—that their leaders, both in government and opposition, will put public interest before political rivalry.
Calls for resignation may make headlines, but what Malaysians truly want is reassurance—that their voices matter and that renewal, in every sense, begins with listening.
Mihar Dias (mihardias@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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