A HEATED debate on X has gone viral, with netizens questioning whether Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) time in power has revealed the true character of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The conversation, laced with sharp critiques and sarcasm, has divided users — some expressing disillusionment, while others remain staunchly loyal. The debate has led to a range of responses, many of which are far from flattering for the ruling coalition.
The discussion was triggered by a post from user @anxioustapir, who declared unwavering support for PKR despite recent waves of public dissatisfaction.
He argued that a stronger PKR presence in Parliament — ideally outpacing other parties and relegating UMNO to a supporting role — was necessary for political stability.
Many are emotional about PKR and if its worth voting in GE16.
But as a voter for reform, I will ensure PH gets a better mandate from 82 to reach 112 (& 148+ with east msia) with an even weaker umno.
A PH govt only then we’ll see the real anwar. No more excuses after that. https://t.co/VhpOv0fsgb
— Anxious for Msia (@anxioustapir) May 29, 2025
The post ignited a firestorm, with some applauding the sentiment and others accusing the government of failing to live up to its reformist promises.
A disgruntled user @NabilErsyad in a reply said, “I’m sorry but I genuinely believe now that the current Anwar is the real Anwar.”
i’m sorry but i genuinely believe now that the current Anwar is the real Anwar. https://t.co/zndMlHtj2k
— Nabil Ersyad (@NabilErsyad) May 30, 2025
Anxioustapir replied: “I feel that way too.”
I feel that way too.
I support rafizi & nik nazmi’s reform agenda 100%. But deep down facts are facts this isnt a PH govt. Its YDPA’s govt led by PH and held together by umno + east M parties. Whatever anwar does its partly his fauly but also umno’s & malay elites.
— Anxious for Msia (@anxioustapir) May 30, 2025
Another user countered the debate by stating that there is no such thing as a “real” or “not real” Anwar. According to them, Anwar has always been consistent in who he is — the difference lies in whether people were aligned with his ideals then and now no longer are.
“So just position yourself – what to do with the current ‘reality’.”
No such thing as current or real Anwar. He is Anwar. He was real back, he is still real currently.
You may be aligned with him back then and not aligned with him currently. So just position yourself, what to do with the current ‘reality’.
— jon (@Jon__Do) May 30, 2025
Defending Anwar, user @AziziBasyah said the current government is the unity government, which was a tough decision made post-15th General Election to block Perikatan Nasional/PAS from acceding to power after the general elections in 2022.
@NabilErsyad I get the frustration with Anwar-UMNO ties and broken reform promises hurt. But the Unity Govt was a tough necessity post-GE15 to block PN/PAS. Still, Anwar’s choices feel like a betrayal. Maybe Rafizi or Nik Nazmi can lead PH/PKR to real change in future..🫤
— Azizi Basyah (@AziziBasyah) May 30, 2025
For most users, the consensus is that Anwar has always been Anwar — unchanged in essence. However, user @khamada86 offered a different perspective, suggesting that the truest glimpse of Anwar’s character can be seen during his years in UMNO, which they believe revealed the real Anwar.
Exactly. Many have been deceived. If we look back at his history since his time in UMNO, that’s his true character.
— #savepalestine 🇵🇸 (@khamada86) May 30, 2025
So what is your take? Is the current Prime Minister the real Anwar you wanted, or are you disappointed in his rule as Prime Minister? — May 31, 2025
Main photo credit: The Star
