The memorandum was handed to a palace representative.

Nearly 1,000 people participated in the demonstration, carrying placards reading “Daulat Tuanku” and “Selamatkan Malaysia”. About 50 police officers were also present.

Chants of “Lawan”, “Takbir”, “Hidup Rakyat” and “Anwar derhaka” were also heard.

Pertubuhan-pertubuhan Pembela Islam president Aminuddin Yahaya, one of the group’s representatives, claimed that Malaysia’s economic situation was causing widespread suffering, and that the prices of basic goods were soaring uncontrollably.

“Unfortunately, the government has not effectively addressed these pressures and hardships to resolve these economic problems.

“The entire population, especially the Malays and the Muslim community, feels severely oppressed, worried, anxious, and fearful about the state of our country under the present administration and leadership, due to poor governance,” he told the media outside Istana Negara after submitting the memorandum.

Aminuddin claimed that the government’s failure to manage various issues had put the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under economic and emotional pressure, emphasising the urgency of addressing these issues.

He called on Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah to reassess the country’s leadership and take the necessary action for the welfare of the nation and its people.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was also present at the demonstration.

“I am a Malaysian, too, and I sympathise with them,” Mahathir said.

Meanwhile, NGO Pembela Tanah Air coordinator Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, said it was the people’s right to peacefully assemble.

The Bersatu man also claimed that political instability and racial disharmony were the key problems in Malaysia caused by the Anwar Ibrahim-led administration.

“Therefore, I challenge Anwar to dissolve (Parliament) and call for an election,” he said.