Anwar in a jovial mood with his wife Wan Azizah and daughter (right) during a news conference in Kuala Lumpur. — Reuters photo
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that he would not make an immediate return to politics, but instead would give his full support to the new government led by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and deputy prime minister-designate Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Anwar, who has just been released on a royal pardon earlier yesterday said he would take some time off to spend with his family and to give lectures at several universities overseas.
Speaking at his first press conference at his residence in Segambut, here, Anwar said he had expressed his full support for Dr Mahathir’s leadership to enable the newly-elected prime minister deliver the agenda and implement necessary reforms effectively.
“And I don’t think I would want to be seen as being hasty to demand or insist for any immediate timeframe and I have told him (Mahathir) that I got invitations from renowned universities around the world to give a series of lectures, but I’m not going to stay there for a few years, so don’t worry.
“But naturally, it would take weeks or months…from Harvard, Stamford and other universities because I think I have a small contribution to make…to show that the voice of reason and moderation in Islam is paramount and Muslim can be counted upon to ensure freedom and justice,” he said.
Asked if he would play any role in deciding Dr Mahathir’s cabinet line-up, Anwar said as the premier, it was Dr Mahathir’s prerogative to form the cabinet, but he was given assurance that the prime minister would consult all PH component party leaders before deciding on its composition.
On his readiness to accept any post if offered, Anwar said: “I have informed Tun Mahathir that it is better for him, Wan Azizah and the team to continue and just allow me take some time for my family, even though it is my wife who will be deputy prime minister. ”
“I think Tun Dr Mahathir will certainly welcome that sort of decision, because I told him, I will be kept informed, I will of course be interested to know what is happening, but I don’t need to serve the cabinet for now,” he said. — Bernama