Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim together with his family members during a press conference at the compound of his residence after he was released. He was give full pardon by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V. – Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: The phoenix had risen from the ashes and he was without doubt, leaving behind bitter memories and both him and the Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had buried the hatchet for the sake of the nation.
The man whom everyone waited for 20 years, the PKR defacto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has today been given full pardon by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V following Pakatan Harapan’s historic win in the 14th General Elections.
Feeling energetic with a smile consistently carved on his face, Anwar in his first press conference after being released, said many people were questioning and being cynical about him working together with Dr Mahathir considering what had happened 20 years ago.
“I and Dr Mahathir buried the hatchet? I mean it’s been a long time already… Many people question why do you work with that man? And they became very cynical… Are you sure? Are you sincere?
“In fact one very wellknown statesman in the world was joking with me…. He said ‘Anwar, are you sure? Are you telling the truth? Come on look at me and say that you have forgiven him,” he said.
Anwar sitting next to his wife, Deputy Prime Minister elect Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, narrated to the media: “So I looked at him and I said, my interest now is the welfare of the nation.
“I have forgiven him (Dr Mahathir) and he has proven his mantle, he has made sacrifices, he was maligned in the media… I tell you… It’s like a deja vu!” said the former finance minister.
According to him Dr Mahathir had struggled, worked hard, and had now supported the reform agenda.
“He has facilitated in my release… Why should I harbour any malice towards him?” he said.
Asked why would he let a 93-year old man govern the country given the upsurge in support for him, Anwar said Dr Mahathir was committed to the reform agenda, which was the agenda of the youth of this country.
“Secondly, it’s not a dictatorial system, it’s not a one man show… It’s a decision to be made by a team of leaders from Pakatan Harapan with Dr Mahathir who is the chief steward in the whole process.
“And he in many of his comments, presented the sentiments, expressions and aspirations of the young people,” he added. – Bernama