Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday said he has presented documents to the king on his “strong and convincing” parliamentary support to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. He said he had the support of over 120 lawmakers in the 222-strong parliament.

The power struggle comes as Malaysia, already grappling with an economy battered by the novel coronavirus, faces a renewed surge in infections.

Anwar met with the king on Tuesday morning after saying last month that he had the backing of a majority of lawmakers to form a new government.

The king plays a largely ceremonial role but he can appoint a prime minister who in his view is likely to command a majority. The king can also dissolve parliament and trigger elections on the prime minister’s advice.

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In March, the king appointed Muhyiddin as the prime minister after the unexpected resignation of Mahathir Mohamad, saying he believed Muhyiddin commanded majority support in parliament.

Should Anwar succeed in securing the post, it would mean Malaysia would have its third prime minister this year.

But scepticism over Anwar’s challenge remains as no major party has offered a clear declaration of support.

Muhyiddin, whose seven-month-old administration has survived on a razor-thin parliamentary majority, had earlier dismissed Anwar’s claims as a “mere allegation” and told him to prove his majority through a constitutional process.

Leaders in Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional coalition issued a statement on Monday declaring full support for Muhyiddin.

(with inputs)

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday said he has presented documents to the king on his “strong and convincing” parliamentary support to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday said he has presented documents to the king on his “strong and convincing” parliamentary support to oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. He said he had the support of over 120 lawmakers in the 222-strong parliament. The power struggle comes as Malaysia, already grappling with an economy battered by the novel coronavirus, faces a renewed surge in infections. Anwar met with the king on Tuesday morning after saying last month that he had the backing of a majority of lawmakers to form a new government. The king plays a largely ceremonial role but he can appoint a prime minister who in his view is likely to command a majority. The king can also dissolve parliament and trigger elections on the prime minister’s advice. × In March, the king appointed Muhyiddin as the prime minister after the unexpected resignation of Mahathir Mohamad, saying he believed Muhyiddin commanded majority support in parliament. Should Anwar succeed in securing the post, it would mean Malaysia would have its third prime minister this year. But scepticism over Anwar’s challenge remains as no major party has offered a clear declaration of support. Muhyiddin, whose seven-month-old administration has survived on a razor-thin parliamentary majority, had earlier dismissed Anwar’s claims as a “mere allegation” and told him to prove his majority through a constitutional process. Leaders in Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional coalition issued a statement on Monday declaring full support for Muhyiddin. (with inputs)

Malaysia's Anwar submits documents to king to show support to form new government

A major power struggle is unfolding in Malaysia. Anwar Ibrahim met with the King in a push to become Prime Minister. But Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is fighting back the challenge to his government. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Malaysia's political turmoil: Anwar Ibrahim meets King in a push to become Prime Minister

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet with the king on Tuesday to prove he has the parliamentary support needed to replace Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Anwar added a fresh twist to the Southeast Asian nation's political drama last month after he declared that he had secured a "formidable" majority from federal lawmakers to form a new government.

The power struggle comes as the country, already grappling with an economy battered by the coronavirus, faces a renewed surge in infections.

Anwar was seen entering the palace grounds in a two-car convoy on Tuesday morning, according to a report by national news wire Bernama.

Should Anwar succeed in securing the post, it would be the culmination of a 22-year long quest, during which he spent nearly 10 years in jail. It would also mean Malaysia would have its third prime minister this year.

But skepticism over Anwar's claim remains as no major party has offered a clear declaration of support. One party, which is a member of the ruling coalition, has said some of its lawmakers supported Anwar.

"Should the meeting fail to translate into an actionable outcome, his credibility will be affected and this may push the opposition bloc to find another PM candidate," said Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, senior associate at political consultancy Vriens &amp; Partners.

Muhyiddin, whose seven-month-old administration has survived on a razor-thin parliamentary majority, had earlier dismissed Anwar's claims as a "mere allegation" and told him to prove his majority through a constitutional process.

Leaders in Muhyiddin's Perikatan Nasional coalition issued a statement on Monday declaring full support for Muhyiddin.

King Al-Sultan Abdullah plays a largely ceremonial role but he can appoint a prime minister who in his view is likely to command a majority, so Anwar will need to convince him he has such backing.

The king could also dissolve parliament and trigger elections on the premier's advice.

It was not clear if an outcome would be known on Tuesday.

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet with the king on Tuesday to prove he has the parliamentary support needed to replace Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet with the king on Tuesday to prove he has the parliamentary support needed to replace Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. Anwar added a fresh twist to the Southeast Asian nation's political drama last month after he declared that he had secured a "formidable" majority from federal lawmakers to form a new government. The power struggle comes as the country, already grappling with an economy battered by the coronavirus, faces a renewed surge in infections. Anwar was seen entering the palace grounds in a two-car convoy on Tuesday morning, according to a report by national news wire Bernama. Should Anwar succeed in securing the post, it would be the culmination of a 22-year long quest, during which he spent nearly 10 years in jail. It would also mean Malaysia would have its third prime minister this year. But skepticism over Anwar's claim remains as no major party has offered a clear declaration of support. One party, which is a member of the ruling coalition, has said some of its lawmakers supported Anwar. "Should the meeting fail to translate into an actionable outcome, his credibility will be affected and this may push the opposition bloc to find another PM candidate," said Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, senior associate at political consultancy Vriens & Partners. Muhyiddin, whose seven-month-old administration has survived on a razor-thin parliamentary majority, had earlier dismissed Anwar's claims as a "mere allegation" and told him to prove his majority through a constitutional process. Leaders in Muhyiddin's Perikatan Nasional coalition issued a statement on Monday declaring full support for Muhyiddin. King Al-Sultan Abdullah plays a largely ceremonial role but he can appoint a prime minister who in his view is likely to command a majority, so Anwar will need to convince him he has such backing. The king could also dissolve parliament and trigger elections on the premier's advice. It was not clear if an outcome would be known on Tuesday.

Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim set to meet king in challenge for premiership

Malaysia's embattled leader faces state elections Saturday that are his biggest political test since taking office, with analysts saying he desperately needs a win to strengthen his tenuous hold on power.

A defeat for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's allies in Sabah state on Borneo will erode support among his seven-month-old government's coalition partners, increasing pressure for snap national polls, observers warn.

Adding to his problems, the election comes just days after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim launched a bid to topple his administration, claiming he had mustered enough support from MPs to take over.

Malaysia has been gripped by political turmoil since the collapse in February of a reformist government, which was headed by Mahathir Mohamad and included Anwar, amid bitter infighting.&nbsp;

Muhyiddin seized power without an election and leads a coalition backed by a scandal-plagued party, but his administration has only a wafer-thin majority in parliament and critics say it is illegitimate.&nbsp;

The Sabah elections were called after a Muhyiddin ally launched a bid to take over the opposition-controlled local government. But rather than cede power, the chief minister dissolved the state assembly.

About 1.1 million people are eligible to vote for 73 assembly seats in the state on the northeastern tip of jungle-clad Borneo island, which is home to a dizzying array of indigenous groups. &nbsp;

Loose coalitions are backing the government and the opposition, but analysts say the vote is too close to call. Results are expected late Saturday.

The outcome will not directly affect the balance of power at the national level, but it is a key test of Muhyiddin's popularity.

Despite taking power without a democratic vote, he has won praise for his government's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and received a 69 percent approval rating in a recent survey.

"He needs a win to show... that the high popularity he enjoys can be translated into votes on the ground," Ibrahim Suffian, head of independent polling firm Merdeka Center, told AFP.&nbsp;

"If he loses badly, then the government could potentially collapse."

Muhyiddin has faced pressure from his allies to call a general election soon to secure a stronger mandate, but some observers believe he wants to delay as long as possible.&nbsp;

That, however, may become difficult if he fares badly in Sabah.

Anwar's power play has added to pressure on Muhyiddin but does not appear to have gained traction for now.

He has refused to reveal the number of MPs backing him while the king, who appoints the country's premier, has postponed an appointment to see him due to ill health.

Malaysia's embattled leader faces state elections Saturday that are his biggest political test since taking office, with analysts saying he desperately needs a win to strengthen his tenuous hold on power.

Malaysia's embattled leader faces state elections Saturday that are his biggest political test since taking office, with analysts saying he desperately needs a win to strengthen his tenuous hold on power. A defeat for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's allies in Sabah state on Borneo will erode support among his seven-month-old government's coalition partners, increasing pressure for snap national polls, observers warn. Adding to his problems, the election comes just days after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim launched a bid to topple his administration, claiming he had mustered enough support from MPs to take over. Malaysia has been gripped by political turmoil since the collapse in February of a reformist government, which was headed by Mahathir Mohamad and included Anwar, amid bitter infighting. Muhyiddin seized power without an election and leads a coalition backed by a scandal-plagued party, but his administration has only a wafer-thin majority in parliament and critics say it is illegitimate. The Sabah elections were called after a Muhyiddin ally launched a bid to take over the opposition-controlled local government. But rather than cede power, the chief minister dissolved the state assembly. About 1.1 million people are eligible to vote for 73 assembly seats in the state on the northeastern tip of jungle-clad Borneo island, which is home to a dizzying array of indigenous groups. Loose coalitions are backing the government and the opposition, but analysts say the vote is too close to call. Results are expected late Saturday. The outcome will not directly affect the balance of power at the national level, but it is a key test of Muhyiddin's popularity. Despite taking power without a democratic vote, he has won praise for his government's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and received a 69 percent approval rating in a recent survey. "He needs a win to show... that the high popularity he enjoys can be translated into votes on the ground," Ibrahim Suffian, head of independent polling firm Merdeka Center, told AFP. "If he loses badly, then the government could potentially collapse." Muhyiddin has faced pressure from his allies to call a general election soon to secure a stronger mandate, but some observers believe he wants to delay as long as possible. That, however, may become difficult if he fares badly in Sabah. Anwar's power play has added to pressure on Muhyiddin but does not appear to have gained traction for now. He has refused to reveal the number of MPs backing him while the king, who appoints the country's premier, has postponed an appointment to see him due to ill health.

Malaysian PM faces major test in state polls

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says he has the majority in parliament and he can topple the government. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about the latest political crisis in Malaysia.

Gravitas: Opposition claims majority in Malaysia

Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as&nbsp;Malaysia's&nbsp;new&nbsp;prime minister on Sunday&nbsp;after&nbsp;a week of political turmoil triggered by the surprise resignation of Mahathir Mohamad, but he has yet to name any cabinet colleagues.

The legitimacy of Muhyiddin's government, which came with the support of Malay nationalist parties he previously opposed, has been questioned by the opposing camp led by his former boss Mahathir.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-malaysias-political-turmoil-questions-over-trials-in-1mdb-scandal-283925">&nbsp;After Malaysia's political turmoil, questions over trials in 1MDB scandal</a>

WHAT HAPPENED?

Malaysia's king on Saturday named Muhyiddin, 72, as being the most likely candidate to be able to command a majority in parliament&nbsp;after&nbsp;days of political twists and turns.

Mahathir, 94, disputed the decision saying he instead had the numbers in the 222-member parliament. Mahathir, however, said he had not been able to convey to the palace that he had the majority.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muhyiddin-yassin-sworn-in-as-new-prime-minister-of-malaysia-283533">Muhyiddin Yassin sworn-in as new prime minister of Malaysia&nbsp;</a>

In his first address to the nation, Muhyiddin defended himself.

"I know there are those who are angry with me. As expected, there are those who branded me a traitor. Listen well, I am no traitor," he said on Monday.

Mahathir resigned because he had been angered by pressure from supporters of old rival Anwar Ibrahim, 72, to set a timeline to hand power to him as part of a deal reached to fight the last general election together two years ago.

In the end, both Mahathir and Anwar got sidelined by their former coalition partner Muhyiddin, who moved quickly to seek support from people the other two would not work with.

Watch:&nbsp;

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WHAT COULD HAPPEN NEXT?

Muhyiddin's opponents have called for parliament to reconvene on March 9 as originally scheduled so that his majority claim can be tested.

That, however, will likely not happen, his supporters said, because the&nbsp;new&nbsp;premier needs time to first appoint ministers and focus on reviving the economy that grew at its slowest pace in the fourth quarter.

"By convention, you need a cabinet, and then they need some time to adjust themselves to understand their ministries," said Wee Ka Siong, a lawmaker from the&nbsp;new&nbsp;ruling coalition. "Then only can they answer questions."

The last parliament session ended on Dec. 5, and according to the constitution, the first day of the&nbsp;new&nbsp;session must be held within six months of that, which in this case would be by June 5.

Mahathir said a delay in reconvening parliament may give "these very rich and powerful people" in the&nbsp;new&nbsp;ruling coalition time to try and secure a majority.

WHAT WILL CHANGE?

The return to power of parties that lost the last election may mean a renewed focus on the country's decades-old positive discrimination policy for majority Malays, who enjoyed preferential access to everything from public financing to a 30% quota for equity holdings in businesses.

Unlike Mahathir's multi-ethnic government, the&nbsp;new&nbsp;administration may also be willing to put more Malays back into key positions and veer towards religious conservatism in the largely Muslim country.

There have been some low-key protests against the&nbsp;new&nbsp;government by people who have accused it of disrespecting the 2018 mandate, which was driven by popular anger against alleged corruption by parties now backing Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as Malaysia's new prime minister on Sunday after a week of political turmoil triggered by the surprise resignation of Mahathir Mohamad, but he has yet to name any cabinet colleagues.

Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as Malaysia's new prime minister on Sunday after a week of political turmoil triggered by the surprise resignation of Mahathir Mohamad, but he has yet to name any cabinet colleagues. The legitimacy of Muhyiddin's government, which came with the support of Malay nationalist parties he previously opposed, has been questioned by the opposing camp led by his former boss Mahathir. Also read: After Malaysia's political turmoil, questions over trials in 1MDB scandal WHAT HAPPENED? Malaysia's king on Saturday named Muhyiddin, 72, as being the most likely candidate to be able to command a majority in parliament after days of political twists and turns. Mahathir, 94, disputed the decision saying he instead had the numbers in the 222-member parliament. Mahathir, however, said he had not been able to convey to the palace that he had the majority. Also see: Muhyiddin Yassin sworn-in as new prime minister of Malaysia In his first address to the nation, Muhyiddin defended himself. "I know there are those who are angry with me. As expected, there are those who branded me a traitor. Listen well, I am no traitor," he said on Monday. Mahathir resigned because he had been angered by pressure from supporters of old rival Anwar Ibrahim, 72, to set a timeline to hand power to him as part of a deal reached to fight the last general election together two years ago. In the end, both Mahathir and Anwar got sidelined by their former coalition partner Muhyiddin, who moved quickly to seek support from people the other two would not work with. Watch: WHAT COULD HAPPEN NEXT? Muhyiddin's opponents have called for parliament to reconvene on March 9 as originally scheduled so that his majority claim can be tested. That, however, will likely not happen, his supporters said, because the new premier needs time to first appoint ministers and focus on reviving the economy that grew at its slowest pace in the fourth quarter. "By convention, you need a cabinet, and then they need some time to adjust themselves to understand their ministries," said Wee Ka Siong, a lawmaker from the new ruling coalition. "Then only can they answer questions." The last parliament session ended on Dec. 5, and according to the constitution, the first day of the new session must be held within six months of that, which in this case would be by June 5. Mahathir said a delay in reconvening parliament may give "these very rich and powerful people" in the new ruling coalition time to try and secure a majority. WHAT WILL CHANGE? The return to power of parties that lost the last election may mean a renewed focus on the country's decades-old positive discrimination policy for majority Malays, who enjoyed preferential access to everything from public financing to a 30% quota for equity holdings in businesses. Unlike Mahathir's multi-ethnic government, the new administration may also be willing to put more Malays back into key positions and veer towards religious conservatism in the largely Muslim country. There have been some low-key protests against the new government by people who have accused it of disrespecting the 2018 mandate, which was driven by popular anger against alleged corruption by parties now backing Muhyiddin.

Challenges facing new Malaysia PM after controversial takeover

A day after submitting his resignation letter to Malaysia's king, Mahathir Mohamad went back to work on Tuesday with the new title of interim prime minister. The shock move plunged the country into political turmoil.

A day after submitting his resignation letter to Malaysia's king, Mahathir Mohamad went back to work on Tuesday with the new title of interim prime minister. The shock move plunged the country into political turmoil. Mahathir, who at 94 is the world's oldest government leader, did not comment as he arrived by car at his office in Putrajaya, reported news agency Reuters. Mahathir disbanded his entire cabinet late on Monday after resigning as prime minister and agreeing to a request from Malaysia's king to stay on until a successor is named. Also read: Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad sends resignation letter to king Mahathir's resignation broke apart an already fragile coalition with old rivals including Anwar Ibrahim, 72, that had scored a surprise election victory on an anti-corruption platform in 2018 but has since become increasingly unpopular. The fate of Malaysia's ruling coalition had been in doubt after surprise weekend talks between it and opposition groups on forming a new government that would exclude Mahathir's anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim. It was not immediately clear how long Mahathir would remain in the interim role, when a new cabinet would be appointed or how the next government would be formed. "For Malaysians, the trauma of uncertainty is hard to overstate," the pro-establishment New Straits Times newspaper wrote in an editorial. The political crisis comes at a particularly bad time for the Malaysian economy, after growth fell to a decade low in the final quarter of last year. Mahathir had been scheduled to announce a stimulus package to deal with the coronavirus outbreak on Thursday. The resignation left in doubt the pre-election promise Mahathir had made to Anwar that he would cede power before his five-year term ended in 2023.

Malaysia: Mahathir Mohamad returns as interim PM amid political turmoil 

Malaysia's would-be leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-roller-coaster-life-of-malaysias-anwar-ibrahim-137700">Anwar Ibrahim</a> on Sunday accused 94-year-old Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-prime-minister-mahathir-mohamad-expresses-his-intention-to-step-down-281867">Mahathir Mohamad</a>'s party and "traitors" in his own camp of plotting a wholesale change in the ruling coalition that could ultimately deny him the premiership.

After being promised that he would one day become prime minister, Anwar allied with former rival Mahathir to win a surprise victory in the 2018 general election and end the six-decade grip of a party accused of widespread corruption.

But on Sunday politicians from the coalition held talks at a hotel near Kuala Lumpur on a possible new alliance with members of the ousted former ruling party, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-palm-oil-spate-start-a-trade-war-between-india-and-malaysia-278402">United Malays National Organisation</a> (UMNO), political sources said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-prime-minister-mahathir-mohamad-expresses-his-intention-to-step-down-281867">Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad expresses his intention to step down</a>

"We know there are attempts to bring down PH and form a new government," Anwar said, referring to the Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope) coalition that he helped form under Mahathir, who leads the Bersatu party.

Anwar said of the alleged plotters that: "It involves our former friends in Bersatu and a small faction of traitors from PKR."

Anwar's PKR party is the biggest constituent of the current alliance, but it is beset by internal divisions. Meanwhile, Mahathir has said in recent months that he needs more time for a planned transition for which he has never set a date.

Watch: The roller-coaster life of Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim

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Forming a new coalition could allow Mahathir to serve out a full term instead of handing over to Anwar as promised.

One source with knowledge of the matter said Mahathir had been angry that he came under pressure from pro-Anwar ministers to set a clear timetable for a handover at a meeting of the coalition on Friday.

Mahathir's own Bersatu party held a special meeting earlier on Sunday. Neither he nor the party commented on what had been discussed.

Some Malaysians expressed their anger on social media over the speculation of a new alliance, saying the coalition they voted for to bring in reforms now threatened to betray them by partnering with the political parties they voted out.

Anwar had served as deputy prime minister and finance minister during Mahathir's first 22-year stint in office under UNMO, but was sacked in 1998 after falling out over how to defend the economy against the Asian Financial Crisis.

Anwar was jailed twice on sodomy charges that he said were politically motivated. He was released on a royal pardon after the 2018 election.

He is a member of parliament but does not hold a ministerial post. His wife is the country's deputy prime minister.

Malaysia's would-be leader Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday accused 94-year-old Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's party and "traitors" in his own camp of plotting a wholesale change in the ruling coalition that could ultimately deny him the premiership.

Malaysia's would-be leader Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday accused 94-year-old Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's party and "traitors" in his own camp of plotting a wholesale change in the ruling coalition that could ultimately deny him the premiership. After being promised that he would one day become prime minister, Anwar allied with former rival Mahathir to win a surprise victory in the 2018 general election and end the six-decade grip of a party accused of widespread corruption. But on Sunday politicians from the coalition held talks at a hotel near Kuala Lumpur on a possible new alliance with members of the ousted former ruling party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), political sources said. Also read: Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad expresses his intention to step down "We know there are attempts to bring down PH and form a new government," Anwar said, referring to the Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope) coalition that he helped form under Mahathir, who leads the Bersatu party. Anwar said of the alleged plotters that: "It involves our former friends in Bersatu and a small faction of traitors from PKR." Anwar's PKR party is the biggest constituent of the current alliance, but it is beset by internal divisions. Meanwhile, Mahathir has said in recent months that he needs more time for a planned transition for which he has never set a date. Watch: The roller-coaster life of Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim Forming a new coalition could allow Mahathir to serve out a full term instead of handing over to Anwar as promised. One source with knowledge of the matter said Mahathir had been angry that he came under pressure from pro-Anwar ministers to set a clear timetable for a handover at a meeting of the coalition on Friday. Mahathir's own Bersatu party held a special meeting earlier on Sunday. Neither he nor the party commented on what had been discussed. Some Malaysians expressed their anger on social media over the speculation of a new alliance, saying the coalition they voted for to bring in reforms now threatened to betray them by partnering with the political parties they voted out. Anwar had served as deputy prime minister and finance minister during Mahathir's first 22-year stint in office under UNMO, but was sacked in 1998 after falling out over how to defend the economy against the Asian Financial Crisis. Anwar was jailed twice on sodomy charges that he said were politically motivated. He was released on a royal pardon after the 2018 election. He is a member of parliament but does not hold a ministerial post. His wife is the country's deputy prime minister.

Anwar Ibrahim cries foul as Malaysian parties discuss sweeping coalition change

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-prime-minister-mahathir-mohamad-expresses-his-intention-to-step-down-281867">Mahathir Mohamad</a> has submitted a letter of resignation to Malaysia's king, his office said on Monday, amid talk of forming a new governing coalition.

The fate of Malaysia's ruling coalition had been in doubt after surprise weekend talks between it and opposition groups on forming a new government that would exclude Mahathir's anointed successor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anwar-ibrahim-cries-foul-as-malaysian-parties-discuss-sweeping-coalition-change-282301">Anwar Ibrahim</a>.

"The letter has been sent to His Royal Highness the King at 1 pm," Mahathir's office said in a statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anwar-ibrahim-cries-foul-as-malaysian-parties-discuss-sweeping-coalition-change-282301">Anwar Ibrahim cries foul as Malaysian parties discuss sweeping coalition change</a>

It was not immediately clear if Mahathir could form another government with the support of other parties, but his party, Bersatu, has also quit the ruling coalition, its president, Malaysian home minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Facebook.

On Sunday, Anwar had accused Mahathir's party and "traitors" in his own party of plotting to form a new government with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-prime-minister-mahathir-mohamad-expresses-his-intention-to-step-down-281867">United Malays National Organisation</a> (UMNO), the former ruling party ousted in 2018 amid graft accusations.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-palm-oil-spate-start-a-trade-war-between-india-and-malaysia-278402"> Will palm oil spate start a trade war between India and Malaysia?</a>

Sources said Mahathir's party and a faction in Anwar's party met officials from UMNO and Islamist party PAS in efforts to form a new coalition and possibly back Mahathir to serve out a full five-year term as prime minister.

The turmoil, amid growing fears about a spreading coronavirus,&nbsp;had spooked investors, driving Kuala Lumpur's benchmark to a 10-year low, while the ringgit currency slid 0.7 per cent to an almost six-month low, its sharpest drop in over three years.

The tussle between old rivals Mahathir, 94, and Anwar, 72, has shaped Malaysian politics for decades and tension has persisted, despite their alliance to win 2018 elections based on a promise that Mahathir would one day cede power to Anwar.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has submitted a letter of resignation to Malaysia's king, his office said on Monday, amid talk of forming a new governing coalition.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has submitted a letter of resignation to Malaysia's king, his office said on Monday, amid talk of forming a new governing coalition. The fate of Malaysia's ruling coalition had been in doubt after surprise weekend talks between it and opposition groups on forming a new government that would exclude Mahathir's anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim. "The letter has been sent to His Royal Highness the King at 1 pm," Mahathir's office said in a statement. Also read: Anwar Ibrahim cries foul as Malaysian parties discuss sweeping coalition change It was not immediately clear if Mahathir could form another government with the support of other parties, but his party, Bersatu, has also quit the ruling coalition, its president, Malaysian home minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Facebook. On Sunday, Anwar had accused Mahathir's party and "traitors" in his own party of plotting to form a new government with the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the former ruling party ousted in 2018 amid graft accusations. Also read: Will palm oil spate start a trade war between India and Malaysia? Sources said Mahathir's party and a faction in Anwar's party met officials from UMNO and Islamist party PAS in efforts to form a new coalition and possibly back Mahathir to serve out a full five-year term as prime minister. The turmoil, amid growing fears about a spreading coronavirus, had spooked investors, driving Kuala Lumpur's benchmark to a 10-year low, while the ringgit currency slid 0.7 per cent to an almost six-month low, its sharpest drop in over three years. The tussle between old rivals Mahathir, 94, and Anwar, 72, has shaped Malaysian politics for decades and tension has persisted, despite their alliance to win 2018 elections based on a promise that Mahathir would one day cede power to Anwar.

Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad sends resignation letter to king

Malaysia's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-can-revoke-zakir-naiks-pr-status-mahathir-mohamad-243514">Mahathir&nbsp;Mohamad</a>, the world's oldest prime minister, promised on Tuesday to hand over power to anointed successor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-roller-coaster-life-of-malaysias-anwar-ibrahim-137700">Anwar Ibrahim</a> in spite of new sexual assault allegations against him.

Mahathir, 94, told Reuters in an interview that he would not hand over before a summit of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-wracked-chile-pulls-out-as-apec-climate-meet-host-259009">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation</a> (APEC) countries that Malaysia is to host in November but could be ready after that.

"I made a promise to hand over and I will, accepting that I thought that a change immediately before the APEC summit would be disruptive,"&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said.

"As far I'm concerned, I'm stepping down and I'm handing the baton to him. If people don't want him, that is their business, but I will do my part of the promise irrespective of whatever allegation. I made my promise, I keep my promise."

Asked if a handover could come in December 2020,&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said: "We'll look at that when the time comes."

The turbulent relationship between the two men allies turned fierce rivals who later reunited to win power has shaped politics in the Southeast Asian country for decades.

Mahathir&nbsp;was unexpectedly elected in 2018 as the head of a coalition government whose largest party is led by Anwar, 72, who has been jailed twice on separate counts of sodomy and for corruption charges he says were political.

Last week, Anwar denied fresh allegations by a former aide that he had tried to force him to have sex - describing the accusations as "politics at its worst".

It is&nbsp;Mahathir's second stint as&nbsp;Malaysia's&nbsp;premier, a post he previously held for 22 years from 1981 to 2003. Anwar was his deputy from 1993 to 1998, when the two fell out. Anwar was jailed the following year.

Although&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;promised to hand over to Anwar during the 2018 election campaign, doubts grew over his intentions when he later said he needed more time to steer the heavily-indebted country out of its troubles first.

Mahathir&nbsp;said he hoped for an out-of-court settlement with Goldman Sachs soon over the 1MDB scandal that sent&nbsp;Malaysia's&nbsp;debt soaring.

He also raised the possibility of selling stakes in state energy firm Petronas to oil and gas-rich provinces.

Firing back responses to questions from his perch on a sofa in his palatial office at Putrajaya on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur,&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said he did not feel tired despite his age because he was satisfied by his work.

"I try to do some minor exercise, but mainly I keep my weight stable," he said. "I've been 62 kilos for the past 30 or 40 years, it doesn't change. I don't eat very much, and I don't eat when food tastes nice. I don't overeat."

As well as planning to be the first leader in the world to host the APEC summit twice,&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;has been pushing to cement his legacy as a leader in the Muslim world.

A summit in Kuala Lumpur next week would bring leaders from Iran, Pakistan, Turkey and other Muslim countries, officials said.&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said the meeting would look into situations where Muslims were being oppressed.

That would include allegations of rights abuses against Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region,&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said, while adding prospects for action by the Muslim world were limited.

"Taking a stand is one thing, doing something that can improve this situation is another thing. You take a stand which may well result in more pressures being applied and it is not going to do us any good," he said.

"The Muslim world cannot challenge anybody. We are very weak. Anybody can manipulate us, they can even make us fight each other. That's how we are."

Mahathir&nbsp;has in the past said that China was too powerful to challenge over the accusations in Xinjiang, which China denies.

He has not spared fellow Southeast Asian nation Myanmar from criticism over treatment of Rohingya Muslims after more than 700,000 were driven into Bangladesh by a military crackdown in 2017.

With Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi set to defend Myanmar against accusations at the World Court in The Hague this week,&nbsp;Mahathir&nbsp;said he hoped that abuses would be recognised and accepted.

"We hope that they will be able to explain and accept the fact that there has been genocide carried out," he said. "We hope that they will respond in one way or another to international opinion."

Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad, the world's oldest prime minister, promised on Tuesday to hand over power to anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim in spite of new sexual assault allegations against him.

Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad, the world's oldest prime minister, promised on Tuesday to hand over power to anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim in spite of new sexual assault allegations against him. Mahathir, 94, told Reuters in an interview that he would not hand over before a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries that Malaysia is to host in November but could be ready after that. "I made a promise to hand over and I will, accepting that I thought that a change immediately before the APEC summit would be disruptive," Mahathir said. "As far I'm concerned, I'm stepping down and I'm handing the baton to him. If people don't want him, that is their business, but I will do my part of the promise irrespective of whatever allegation. I made my promise, I keep my promise." Asked if a handover could come in December 2020, Mahathir said: "We'll look at that when the time comes." The turbulent relationship between the two men allies turned fierce rivals who later reunited to win power has shaped politics in the Southeast Asian country for decades. Mahathir was unexpectedly elected in 2018 as the head of a coalition government whose largest party is led by Anwar, 72, who has been jailed twice on separate counts of sodomy and for corruption charges he says were political. Last week, Anwar denied fresh allegations by a former aide that he had tried to force him to have sex - describing the accusations as "politics at its worst". It is Mahathir's second stint as Malaysia's premier, a post he previously held for 22 years from 1981 to 2003. Anwar was his deputy from 1993 to 1998, when the two fell out. Anwar was jailed the following year. Although Mahathir promised to hand over to Anwar during the 2018 election campaign, doubts grew over his intentions when he later said he needed more time to steer the heavily-indebted country out of its troubles first. Mahathir said he hoped for an out-of-court settlement with Goldman Sachs soon over the 1MDB scandal that sent Malaysia's debt soaring. He also raised the possibility of selling stakes in state energy firm Petronas to oil and gas-rich provinces. Firing back responses to questions from his perch on a sofa in his palatial office at Putrajaya on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Mahathir said he did not feel tired despite his age because he was satisfied by his work. "I try to do some minor exercise, but mainly I keep my weight stable," he said. "I've been 62 kilos for the past 30 or 40 years, it doesn't change. I don't eat very much, and I don't eat when food tastes nice. I don't overeat." As well as planning to be the first leader in the world to host the APEC summit twice, Mahathir has been pushing to cement his legacy as a leader in the Muslim world. A summit in Kuala Lumpur next week would bring leaders from Iran, Pakistan, Turkey and other Muslim countries, officials said. Mahathir said the meeting would look into situations where Muslims were being oppressed. That would include allegations of rights abuses against Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region, Mahathir said, while adding prospects for action by the Muslim world were limited. "Taking a stand is one thing, doing something that can improve this situation is another thing. You take a stand which may well result in more pressures being applied and it is not going to do us any good," he said. "The Muslim world cannot challenge anybody. We are very weak. Anybody can manipulate us, they can even make us fight each other. That's how we are." Mahathir has in the past said that China was too powerful to challenge over the accusations in Xinjiang, which China denies. He has not spared fellow Southeast Asian nation Myanmar from criticism over treatment of Rohingya Muslims after more than 700,000 were driven into Bangladesh by a military crackdown in 2017. With Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi set to defend Myanmar against accusations at the World Court in The Hague this week, Mahathir said he hoped that abuses would be recognised and accepted. "We hope that they will be able to explain and accept the fact that there has been genocide carried out," he said. "We hope that they will respond in one way or another to international opinion."

Malaysia's Mahathir pledges to step down for Anwar, but not before November

The visit of Anwar Ibrahim, the deputy prime minister of Malaysia and widely perceived as heir to the prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, has made Indians suddenly aware of a neighbour who often remains on the margins. Ibrahim has urged India to speak its mind about Rohingyas clearly and firmly as behoves a regional power. It appears that an expansionist China has prompted our south-east Asian neighbours to ‘look west’ after many years. &nbsp;

Malaysia is a country that has had centuries-old ties with India (economic and cultural). The port of Malacca controlled the waterways that served as from the Bay of Bengal to the stretch of Indian Ocean lying beyond. The colonial historians maligned the native rulers as chiefs who commanded bands of marauding pirates erasing in a blink the civilisational contributions of Malay sultans. Islam spread through this entry point to Indonesia and southern tip of the Philippines. Their contacts with Arab, Indian and Chinese traders had exposed the Malays to diverse cosmopolitan influences and it is a totally false claim that it was the British colonisers that tamed and civilised the natives in this peninsula who were given to running amok quite unpredictably.&nbsp;

However, what can’t be denied is that the British transformed the peninsula by developing rubber plantations on a large scale and enthusiastically undertaking tin mining. They imported indentured labour from India and encouraged Chinese immigration from the mainland drastically changing the demographic profile. Much like India the native princes were brought under British Imperial paramountcy and organised in a loose federation.&nbsp;

The small fishing village Temasek, now known as Singapore, discovered by Raffles was developed as a strategic naval base and important entrepôt. &nbsp;

In recent years the discovery of oil has enriched Malaysia beyond wildest dreams of anyone in the middle of the last century. It has quickly leapfrogged many ‘developing’ brethren and has at times been brash towards those it considers laggards. But we digress, India has enjoyed a special relationship with Malaysia over the years for a variety of reasons. At one time almost 10 per cent of its population comprised people of Indian origin. This held the electoral balance as the ‘sons of the soil’ the Malays and Chinese were evenly matched in numbers. The Chinese had participated in a communist-led insurgency that raged for almost a decade after the end of the Second World War and was not trusted by either the British masters of Malay leadership during the period of cold war.&nbsp;

Malaysia’s membership of the Commonwealth, use of English language in education and adopting the English legal system created affinities with India. The ties were fortified by India emerging as the largest buyer of Malaysian Palm Oil.&nbsp;

It is not as if the bilateral relationship has been entirely free of stress. In the past quarter century, there has been a steady drift towards Islamic fundamentalism in some parts of Malaysia.&nbsp;

The states on the eastern coast and on the northern tip bordering Thailand have witnessed social unrest and political ferment. Malays have long nursed the grievance that the ‘clever’ Chinese have deprived them of economic gains. The government has had to tread carefully. Despite legislation to ensure social justice Malays have continued to lag behind. The simmering resentment has at times in distant past exploded in communal violence. The Islamisation of polity and the judicial system has alienated many among the Chinese and Indian community. This is not to suggest that Malaysia is facing a crisis. What we need to appreciate is that it, like India, is a plural society with complex challenges posed by race and ethnicity.&nbsp;

Kalimantan Utara (Northern Borneo) where the states of Sabah and Sarawak are located is home to many non-Malay tribes and its development has to constantly keep in mind the fragility of the pristine ecosystem. Here too exists a unique opportunity to cooperate and collaborate.&nbsp;

Mahathir rose to power once again at the age of 90 because his predecessor had acquired an unenviable reputation for gigantic corruption. There should be no need to remind readers that the issue of corruption dominates political discourse in India.&nbsp;

Before we conclude it is perhaps necessary to refresh our memory about the chequered career of Anwar Ibrahim. He rose and fell like a meteor in an earlier incarnation. He was a fiery youth leader advocate of special rights for Malays and not inhibited about his Islamic ideology. Once a favourite of Mahathir and identified as heir he fell from grace dramatically trapped by political intrigue.&nbsp;

This isn’t the place to unravel conspiracy theories but suffice to note that the Malaysian leader has mellowed without losing his charisma. It will be interesting to see how our government responds to his overtures. Whenever we 'look east' we harp on the shared Hindu-Buddhist legacy.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The visit of Anwar Ibrahim, the deputy prime minister of Malaysia and widely perceived as heir to the prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, has made Indians suddenly aware of a neighbour who often remains on the margins.

The visit of Anwar Ibrahim, the deputy prime minister of Malaysia and widely perceived as heir to the prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, has made Indians suddenly aware of a neighbour who often remains on the margins. Ibrahim has urged India to speak its mind about Rohingyas clearly and firmly as behoves a regional power. It appears that an expansionist China has prompted our south-east Asian neighbours to ‘look west’ after many years. Malaysia is a country that has had centuries-old ties with India (economic and cultural). The port of Malacca controlled the waterways that served as from the Bay of Bengal to the stretch of Indian Ocean lying beyond. The colonial historians maligned the native rulers as chiefs who commanded bands of marauding pirates erasing in a blink the civilisational contributions of Malay sultans. Islam spread through this entry point to Indonesia and southern tip of the Philippines. Their contacts with Arab, Indian and Chinese traders had exposed the Malays to diverse cosmopolitan influences and it is a totally false claim that it was the British colonisers that tamed and civilised the natives in this peninsula who were given to running amok quite unpredictably. However, what can’t be denied is that the British transformed the peninsula by developing rubber plantations on a large scale and enthusiastically undertaking tin mining. They imported indentured labour from India and encouraged Chinese immigration from the mainland drastically changing the demographic profile. Much like India the native princes were brought under British Imperial paramountcy and organised in a loose federation. The small fishing village Temasek, now known as Singapore, discovered by Raffles was developed as a strategic naval base and important entrepôt. In recent years the discovery of oil has enriched Malaysia beyond wildest dreams of anyone in the middle of the last century. It has quickly leapfrogged many ‘developing’ brethren and has at times been brash towards those it considers laggards. But we digress, India has enjoyed a special relationship with Malaysia over the years for a variety of reasons. At one time almost 10 per cent of its population comprised people of Indian origin. This held the electoral balance as the ‘sons of the soil’ the Malays and Chinese were evenly matched in numbers. The Chinese had participated in a communist-led insurgency that raged for almost a decade after the end of the Second World War and was not trusted by either the British masters of Malay leadership during the period of cold war. Malaysia’s membership of the Commonwealth, use of English language in education and adopting the English legal system created affinities with India. The ties were fortified by India emerging as the largest buyer of Malaysian Palm Oil. It is not as if the bilateral relationship has been entirely free of stress. In the past quarter century, there has been a steady drift towards Islamic fundamentalism in some parts of Malaysia. The states on the eastern coast and on the northern tip bordering Thailand have witnessed social unrest and political ferment. Malays have long nursed the grievance that the ‘clever’ Chinese have deprived them of economic gains. The government has had to tread carefully. Despite legislation to ensure social justice Malays have continued to lag behind. The simmering resentment has at times in distant past exploded in communal violence. The Islamisation of polity and the judicial system has alienated many among the Chinese and Indian community. This is not to suggest that Malaysia is facing a crisis. What we need to appreciate is that it, like India, is a plural society with complex challenges posed by race and ethnicity. Kalimantan Utara (Northern Borneo) where the states of Sabah and Sarawak are located is home to many non-Malay tribes and its development has to constantly keep in mind the fragility of the pristine ecosystem. Here too exists a unique opportunity to cooperate and collaborate. Mahathir rose to power once again at the age of 90 because his predecessor had acquired an unenviable reputation for gigantic corruption. There should be no need to remind readers that the issue of corruption dominates political discourse in India. Before we conclude it is perhaps necessary to refresh our memory about the chequered career of Anwar Ibrahim. He rose and fell like a meteor in an earlier incarnation. He was a fiery youth leader advocate of special rights for Malays and not inhibited about his Islamic ideology. Once a favourite of Mahathir and identified as heir he fell from grace dramatically trapped by political intrigue. This isn’t the place to unravel conspiracy theories but suffice to note that the Malaysian leader has mellowed without losing his charisma. It will be interesting to see how our government responds to his overtures. Whenever we 'look east' we harp on the shared Hindu-Buddhist legacy. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Malaysia and India face complex challenges posed by race and ethnicity

Anwar Ibrahim won an overwhelming mandate in a parliamentary by-election Saturday, setting the stage for his return to frontline Malaysian politics and sealing the once-jailed opposition figure's remarkable resurrection.

Winning the seat was a key requirement for Anwar to succeed 93-year-old Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who jailed his former protege and heir apparent on sodomy and corruption charges in 1998 when their relationship soured.

Mahathir returned to the premiership this year after a shock election win, saying he would stay in power for only two years before handing the reins to Anwar.

Figures from the Election Commission showed Anwar got more than 71 percent of the total votes cast in a seven-way contest -- which included a former aide who lodged the sodomy charges that landed Anwar in prison for a second time in 2014.

"I am happy with the results. Allah bless us all," Anwar, 71, said after the victory, which marks the charismatic politician's stunning political comeback from prison to parliament.

Anwar was in prison when he forged an unlikely alliance with Mahathir in a bid to unseat then-prime minister Najib Razak, who had called elections for May amid massive corruption allegations.

Anwar said late Saturday he told Mahathir about the win and the prime minister was "pleased with the result".

'Influential leader'

"In parliament, I will focus on assisting our MPs to embark on carrying out effective reforms," he declared.

But James Chin, a Malaysia specialist at the University of Tasmania, said he expects Anwar to be appointed to the cabinet soon.

"A person like Anwar cannot be a backbencher for long. He has to be in the cabinet," Chin told AFP.

"I can guarantee you that people will now be calling this government the Mahathir-Anwar administration, a throwback to the 1980s."

Underscoring the drama of Saturday's vote, one of Anwar's six challengers was Saiful Bukhari Azlan, the ex-aide who had accused him of sodomy, still illegal in the largely Muslim country. Saiful got only 82 votes.

Polls opened under cloudy skies at 8am (0000 GMT) and closed nine and a half hours later in the sleepy southern coastal town of Port Dickson, home to a sizeable ethnic Chinese community that has traditionally been one of Anwar's pillars of support.

"We are voting for the next premier. We need an influential leader to bring long-overdue progress to Port Dickson," said 60-year-old voter Lee Tian Hock.

"This morning, I prayed to Allah for a big win for Anwar," retired truck driver Mat Taib, a member of the country's ethnic Malay majority, told AFP.

"I want him to be our eighth prime minister."

As Anwar hugged his wife and partymates, dozens of supporters erupted into shouts of "Reformasi" -- his battle cry while in opposition -- after he was declared winner.

Charismatic politician

There had been little doubt the charismatic politician would win the seat, which was vacated after a member of the ruling coalition stepped down to pave the way for Anwar's return.

But he campaigned hard to secure the multi-racial constituency, promising voters development, clean government and a boost to local tourism.

Anwar did not discuss the sodomy accusations on the campaign trail. He has always maintained the charges were trumped up to derail his political career.&nbsp;

But he has campaigned doggedly on the multi-billion-dollar graft scandal at state fund 1MDB, which led to dozens of corruption charges against former leader Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor.&nbsp;

Both face the prospect of spending the rest of their lives in jail in a scandal that saw Najib's coalition lose office for the first time since the country declared independence from Britain in 1957.

Political heavyweights including Mahathir have campaigned for Anwar during a comeback that was unthinkable even six months ago.

The duo went onstage together at one campaign event, prompting wild cheers from supporters.

After he was dumped as finance minister and jailed in the 1990s, Anwar led a reformist opposition movement while fighting to overturn his convictions.

Mahathir, his mentor turned tormentor and now ally, came back from retirement to lead the Alliance of Hope coalition that won power in May.

Anwar Ibrahim won an overwhelming mandate in a parliamentary by-election Saturday, setting the stage for his return to frontline Malaysian politics and sealing the once-jailed opposition figure's remarkable resurrection.

Anwar Ibrahim won an overwhelming mandate in a parliamentary by-election Saturday, setting the stage for his return to frontline Malaysian politics and sealing the once-jailed opposition figure's remarkable resurrection. Winning the seat was a key requirement for Anwar to succeed 93-year-old Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who jailed his former protege and heir apparent on sodomy and corruption charges in 1998 when their relationship soured. Mahathir returned to the premiership this year after a shock election win, saying he would stay in power for only two years before handing the reins to Anwar. Figures from the Election Commission showed Anwar got more than 71 percent of the total votes cast in a seven-way contest -- which included a former aide who lodged the sodomy charges that landed Anwar in prison for a second time in 2014. "I am happy with the results. Allah bless us all," Anwar, 71, said after the victory, which marks the charismatic politician's stunning political comeback from prison to parliament. Anwar was in prison when he forged an unlikely alliance with Mahathir in a bid to unseat then-prime minister Najib Razak, who had called elections for May amid massive corruption allegations. Anwar said late Saturday he told Mahathir about the win and the prime minister was "pleased with the result". 'Influential leader' "In parliament, I will focus on assisting our MPs to embark on carrying out effective reforms," he declared. But James Chin, a Malaysia specialist at the University of Tasmania, said he expects Anwar to be appointed to the cabinet soon. "A person like Anwar cannot be a backbencher for long. He has to be in the cabinet," Chin told AFP. "I can guarantee you that people will now be calling this government the Mahathir-Anwar administration, a throwback to the 1980s." Underscoring the drama of Saturday's vote, one of Anwar's six challengers was Saiful Bukhari Azlan, the ex-aide who had accused him of sodomy, still illegal in the largely Muslim country. Saiful got only 82 votes. Polls opened under cloudy skies at 8am (0000 GMT) and closed nine and a half hours later in the sleepy southern coastal town of Port Dickson, home to a sizeable ethnic Chinese community that has traditionally been one of Anwar's pillars of support. "We are voting for the next premier. We need an influential leader to bring long-overdue progress to Port Dickson," said 60-year-old voter Lee Tian Hock. "This morning, I prayed to Allah for a big win for Anwar," retired truck driver Mat Taib, a member of the country's ethnic Malay majority, told AFP. "I want him to be our eighth prime minister." As Anwar hugged his wife and partymates, dozens of supporters erupted into shouts of "Reformasi" -- his battle cry while in opposition -- after he was declared winner. Charismatic politician There had been little doubt the charismatic politician would win the seat, which was vacated after a member of the ruling coalition stepped down to pave the way for Anwar's return. But he campaigned hard to secure the multi-racial constituency, promising voters development, clean government and a boost to local tourism. Anwar did not discuss the sodomy accusations on the campaign trail. He has always maintained the charges were trumped up to derail his political career. But he has campaigned doggedly on the multi-billion-dollar graft scandal at state fund 1MDB, which led to dozens of corruption charges against former leader Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor. Both face the prospect of spending the rest of their lives in jail in a scandal that saw Najib's coalition lose office for the first time since the country declared independence from Britain in 1957. Political heavyweights including Mahathir have campaigned for Anwar during a comeback that was unthinkable even six months ago. The duo went onstage together at one campaign event, prompting wild cheers from supporters. After he was dumped as finance minister and jailed in the 1990s, Anwar led a reformist opposition movement while fighting to overturn his convictions. Mahathir, his mentor turned tormentor and now ally, came back from retirement to lead the Alliance of Hope coalition that won power in May.

Malaysia's Anwar returns to frontline politics in big poll win

Voting opened Saturday in a by-election that is expected to see charismatic Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim win a parliamentary seat and return to active politics as he prepare for his eventual takeover from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Anwar was designated the successor to Mahathir, his former foe turned ally, after they set aside a bitter political feud and joined hands to win a stunning victory in May's general elections. Anwar couldn't participate in the polls due to a 2015 conviction for sodomy a charge he alleged was politically motivated but he was freed after receiving a royal pardon days after the polls.

Thousands of voters flocked to polling stations in the southern coastal town of Port Dickson, where Anwar is vying for a seat along with six other candidates. He is expected to easily win.

Two weeks of campaigning has seen bigwigs rallying for Anwar, including Mahathir and several ministers.

The Election Commission said it expects a 70 per cent turnout from more than 75,000 voters in Port Dickson, a popular holiday retreat, and will announce results Saturday night.

Anwar was once a high-flying member of the former ruling coalition but was convicted of homosexual sodomy and corruption after a power struggle in 1998 with Mahathir, who was prime minister for 22 years until 2003.&nbsp;

Anwar was freed in 2004 and in 2015 was convicted again of sodomy charges he said were concocted to destroy his political career.

Angered by a monumental graft scandal at a state investment fund, Mahathir made a political comeback and the two forged a new opposition alliance in a gamble that paid off.

Mahathir, who is the world's oldest leader at 93, has said he expects to be in office for at least two years and will keep his promise to hand over power to Anwar.

Mahathir rooted for his successor at a rally Monday night in Port Dickson, urging voters to support their alliance to fix Malaysia's fiscal woes due to corruption by the previous government. It was the first time that the two men shared the same political stage together in 20 years.

Anwar, in speeches ending his campaign Friday, promised he won't interfere in Mahathir's governance and will focus on parliamentary reforms.

"There will be lots of attention to (his margin of victory) but that is making a story about something that is not really important. The bottom line is that he will win and attention should focus on what he will do in parliament and his relationship with those in government," said Bridget Welsh, political science lecturer at the John Cabot University in Rome.

Voting opened Saturday in a by-election that is expected to see charismatic Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim win a parliamentary seat and return to active politics as he prepare for his eventual takeover from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Voting opened Saturday in a by-election that is expected to see charismatic Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim win a parliamentary seat and return to active politics as he prepare for his eventual takeover from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar was designated the successor to Mahathir, his former foe turned ally, after they set aside a bitter political feud and joined hands to win a stunning victory in May's general elections. Anwar couldn't participate in the polls due to a 2015 conviction for sodomy a charge he alleged was politically motivated but he was freed after receiving a royal pardon days after the polls. Thousands of voters flocked to polling stations in the southern coastal town of Port Dickson, where Anwar is vying for a seat along with six other candidates. He is expected to easily win. Two weeks of campaigning has seen bigwigs rallying for Anwar, including Mahathir and several ministers. The Election Commission said it expects a 70 per cent turnout from more than 75,000 voters in Port Dickson, a popular holiday retreat, and will announce results Saturday night. Anwar was once a high-flying member of the former ruling coalition but was convicted of homosexual sodomy and corruption after a power struggle in 1998 with Mahathir, who was prime minister for 22 years until 2003. Anwar was freed in 2004 and in 2015 was convicted again of sodomy charges he said were concocted to destroy his political career. Angered by a monumental graft scandal at a state investment fund, Mahathir made a political comeback and the two forged a new opposition alliance in a gamble that paid off. Mahathir, who is the world's oldest leader at 93, has said he expects to be in office for at least two years and will keep his promise to hand over power to Anwar. Mahathir rooted for his successor at a rally Monday night in Port Dickson, urging voters to support their alliance to fix Malaysia's fiscal woes due to corruption by the previous government. It was the first time that the two men shared the same political stage together in 20 years. Anwar, in speeches ending his campaign Friday, promised he won't interfere in Mahathir's governance and will focus on parliamentary reforms. "There will be lots of attention to (his margin of victory) but that is making a story about something that is not really important. The bottom line is that he will win and attention should focus on what he will do in parliament and his relationship with those in government," said Bridget Welsh, political science lecturer at the John Cabot University in Rome.

Voting opens in Malaysia by-election for PM-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim

Ousted Malaysian premier Najib Razak is already in hot water over allegations he looted state funds, but his legal woes could worsen as calls grow for a fresh look at an even darker past scandal involving the grisly slaying of a young model.

The lurid earlier affair centred on allegations that Malaysian officials took huge kickbacks in the 2002 purchase of Scorpene submarines from France when Najib was defence minister.

The sensational saga transfixed Malaysia for years until the authoritarian former regime used its leverage to bury it, though whispers persisted that Najib, 64, and his wife Rosmah Mansor were deeply involved.

But Najib was trounced in a May 9 election and Malaysia's new government has vowed to investigate not only current allegations that he stole billions from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, but also lift the lid on other unresolved scandals from the past.

"We are very encouraged by the quick moves so far on (1MDB) and that the government is taking previous corruption seriously," said Cynthia Gabriel, who heads the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), a Malaysian NGO.

"In this regard, scandals like Scorpene cannot be ignored. Pressure is building and its going to get more interesting."

Najib's immediate concern is allegations that he, his family, and cronies pillaged billions from 1MDB. He is barred from leaving Malaysia and police have seized large amounts of cash, jewels and luxury items from his home and other sites.

Alleged cover-up

But 1MDB pales in many ways to the Scorpene affair, which has sex, betrayal, submarines, a fugitive assassin, and an unfortunate Mongolian former model.

French submarine maker DCNS is alleged to have paid more than 114 million euros ($134 million) in kickbacks to a shell company linked to Abdul Razak Baginda, a close Najib associate who brokered the $1.1 billion submarine deal.

Abdul Razak's Mongolian mistress Altantuya Shaariibuu, who was said to have demanded a cut for translating during negotiations, was shot dead and her body blown up with military-grade plastic explosives near Kuala Lumpur in 2006.

Allegations that Najib and Rosmah were involved in the killing -- carried out by two government bodyguards -- were steadfastly denied. Najib also was forced to publicly deny having had an affair with Altantuya.

The case sank off the radar after a Malaysian court in 2008 cleared Abdul Razak of abetting the murder, sparking allegations of a huge cover-up to protect Najib, by then promoted to deputy prime minister.

But the election result changes the equation.

Sirul Azhar Umar, who was convicted along with another police bodyguard in the killing and fled to Australia in 2015, told a Malaysian news outlet Saturday he was ready to reveal who ordered the murder.

"I am willing to assist the new government to tell what actually transpired provided that the government grants me (a) full pardon," Sirul, who is in Australian immigration custody, told news website Malaysiakini.

Sirul has maintained that he and his accomplice were scapegoats for "important people", but with family still in Malaysia, he has so far held back revealing what happened.

Calls for new trial

Leading Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim, released from jail last week in the wake of the election and expected to eventually become prime minister, told AFP on Thursday that Sirul and his accomplice Azilah Hadri should be granted fresh trials.&nbsp

"At that time, the judiciary was compromised," Anwar, 70, said in an interview.

"I don't know to what extent Najib was involved or not, but he's certainly implicated in some way."

Also looming is a slow-moving effort in French courts that could reveal more.

French judicial sources last year told AFP that investigators there had indicted two former top French executives linked to the Scorpene deal, as well as Abdul Razak.

Following Malaysia's election, C4 publicly called for an immediate investigation of Najib and others over the submarines and Altantuya's murder.

Gabriel admits the sheer backlog of scandals under the past regime, including dodgy land deals, looting of timber resources, and numerous deaths of government critics while in police custody, could slow progress in the Scorpene case.

Powerful vested interests, such as former establishment figures now aligned with the new government, also may resist full transparency, she said.

"It might be tricky. But if they truly are now behind the rule of law, no stone should be unturned," Gabriel said.

Dredging up the truth in the Scorpene case can be risky.

In 2008, a private investigator involved in the affair, P. Balasubramaniam, implicated government officials including Najib in the murder. He quickly recanted, later saying he did so under duress, and fled to India.

He returned in 2013 vowing to reveal the truth just as Najib faced crucial elections.

He died two weeks later, with authorities blaming a heart attack.

The lurid earlier affair centred on allegations that Malaysian officials took huge kickbacks in the 2002 purchase of Scorpene submarines from France when Najib was defence minister

Ousted Malaysian premier Najib Razak is already in hot water over allegations he looted state funds, but his legal woes could worsen as calls grow for a fresh look at an even darker past scandal involving the grisly slaying of a young model. The lurid earlier affair centred on allegations that Malaysian officials took huge kickbacks in the 2002 purchase of Scorpene submarines from France when Najib was defence minister. The sensational saga transfixed Malaysia for years until the authoritarian former regime used its leverage to bury it, though whispers persisted that Najib, 64, and his wife Rosmah Mansor were deeply involved. But Najib was trounced in a May 9 election and Malaysia's new government has vowed to investigate not only current allegations that he stole billions from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, but also lift the lid on other unresolved scandals from the past. "We are very encouraged by the quick moves so far on (1MDB) and that the government is taking previous corruption seriously," said Cynthia Gabriel, who heads the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), a Malaysian NGO. "In this regard, scandals like Scorpene cannot be ignored. Pressure is building and its going to get more interesting." Najib's immediate concern is allegations that he, his family, and cronies pillaged billions from 1MDB. He is barred from leaving Malaysia and police have seized large amounts of cash, jewels and luxury items from his home and other sites. Alleged cover-up But 1MDB pales in many ways to the Scorpene affair, which has sex, betrayal, submarines, a fugitive assassin, and an unfortunate Mongolian former model. French submarine maker DCNS is alleged to have paid more than 114 million euros ($134 million) in kickbacks to a shell company linked to Abdul Razak Baginda, a close Najib associate who brokered the $1.1 billion submarine deal. Abdul Razak's Mongolian mistress Altantuya Shaariibuu, who was said to have demanded a cut for translating during negotiations, was shot dead and her body blown up with military-grade plastic explosives near Kuala Lumpur in 2006. Allegations that Najib and Rosmah were involved in the killing -- carried out by two government bodyguards -- were steadfastly denied. Najib also was forced to publicly deny having had an affair with Altantuya. The case sank off the radar after a Malaysian court in 2008 cleared Abdul Razak of abetting the murder, sparking allegations of a huge cover-up to protect Najib, by then promoted to deputy prime minister. But the election result changes the equation. Sirul Azhar Umar, who was convicted along with another police bodyguard in the killing and fled to Australia in 2015, told a Malaysian news outlet Saturday he was ready to reveal who ordered the murder. "I am willing to assist the new government to tell what actually transpired provided that the government grants me (a) full pardon," Sirul, who is in Australian immigration custody, told news website Malaysiakini. Sirul has maintained that he and his accomplice were scapegoats for "important people", but with family still in Malaysia, he has so far held back revealing what happened. Calls for new trial Leading Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim, released from jail last week in the wake of the election and expected to eventually become prime minister, told AFP on Thursday that Sirul and his accomplice Azilah Hadri should be granted fresh trials. "At that time, the judiciary was compromised," Anwar, 70, said in an interview. "I don't know to what extent Najib was involved or not, but he's certainly implicated in some way." Also looming is a slow-moving effort in French courts that could reveal more. French judicial sources last year told AFP that investigators there had indicted two former top French executives linked to the Scorpene deal, as well as Abdul Razak. Following Malaysia's election, C4 publicly called for an immediate investigation of Najib and others over the submarines and Altantuya's murder. Gabriel admits the sheer backlog of scandals under the past regime, including dodgy land deals, looting of timber resources, and numerous deaths of government critics while in police custody, could slow progress in the Scorpene case. Powerful vested interests, such as former establishment figures now aligned with the new government, also may resist full transparency, she said. "It might be tricky. But if they truly are now behind the rule of law, no stone should be unturned," Gabriel said. Dredging up the truth in the Scorpene case can be risky. In 2008, a private investigator involved in the affair, P. Balasubramaniam, implicated government officials including Najib in the murder. He quickly recanted, later saying he did so under duress, and fled to India. He returned in 2013 vowing to reveal the truth just as Najib faced crucial elections. He died two weeks later, with authorities blaming a heart attack.

Lurid tale of bribery and murder looms anew for Malaysia's Najib

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-indias-external-affairs-minister-vk-singh-visits-north-korea-meets-top-officials-137431">In a first, India's minister VK Singh visits North Korea, meets top officials</a>

India's minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh visited North Korea from May 15-16.

India and North Korea had established diplomatic relations in December, 1973, this year marks the 45th anniversary of relations between the two countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-announces-ceasefire-during-ramzan-in-jk-137400">Government announces ceasefire during Ramzan in J&K</a>

The home ministry today declared a state of ceasefire during Ramzan in Jammu and Kashmir

Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed for ceasefire earlier.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-roller-coaster-life-of-malaysias-anwar-ibrahim-137384">The roller-coaster life of Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim</a>

Anwar Ibrahim, a controversial figure in Malaysian politics, was freed on Wednesday after pardon from King Sultan Muhammad V. Anwar was sentenced to five-year jail term for sodomy, a charge he says was trumped up by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-rebels-pull-out-of-their-last-besieged-area-137393">Syrian rebels pull out of their last besieged area</a>

The remaining fighters started to withdraw from the last rebel-held enclave in central Syria on Wednesday, state television reported, sealing the government's control over the area and opening a major stretch of the country's most important highway.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-panchayat-elections-ballot-boxes-stolen-in-malda-at-gunpoint-137358">Watch: WB panchayat polls — Ballot box looted at gunpoint in Malda</a>

Brandishing a gun, unidentified miscreants, on Wednesday, escaped with a ballot box from polling booth no. 76 in Malda's Ratua during the re-polling in the Panchayat elections.

&nbsp

In a first, India's minister VK Singh visits North Korea, meets top officials India's minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh visited North Korea from May 15-16. India and North Korea had established diplomatic relations in December, 1973, this year marks the 45th anniversary of relations between the two countries. Government announces ceasefire during Ramzan in J&K The home ministry today declared a state of ceasefire during Ramzan in Jammu and Kashmir Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed for ceasefire earlier. The roller-coaster life of Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim Anwar Ibrahim, a controversial figure in Malaysian politics, was freed on Wednesday after pardon from King Sultan Muhammad V. Anwar was sentenced to five-year jail term for sodomy, a charge he says was trumped up by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak. Syrian rebels pull out of their last besieged area The remaining fighters started to withdraw from the last rebel-held enclave in central Syria on Wednesday, state television reported, sealing the government's control over the area and opening a major stretch of the country's most important highway. Watch: WB panchayat polls — Ballot box looted at gunpoint in Malda Brandishing a gun, unidentified miscreants, on Wednesday, escaped with a ballot box from polling booth no. 76 in Malda's Ratua during the re-polling in the Panchayat elections.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-anwar-ibrahim-freed-from-jail-after-mahathir-election-win-137351">Anwar Ibrahim</a>, a controversial figure in Malaysian politics, was freed on Wednesday after pardon from King Sultan Muhammad V. Anwar was sentenced to five-year jail term for sodomy, a charge he says was trumped up by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak. This was the second time Anwar was jailed he was first convicted of sodomy in 2002.

Who is Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar first rose to prominence in the 1970s as a radical Islamic student leader, taking part in protests over rural hunger that earned the first of his three jailings by Malaysia's authoritarian regime. He was held for 20 months under a draconian security law.

But he later shocked many associates by joining the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), and eventually caught the eye of Mahathir, the tough leader who dominated politics from 1981 to 2003 and has continued to exert formidable influence.

Anwar enjoyed a meteoric rise in the now-ousted Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. Anwar headed various ministries under Mahathir's tutelage in the 1990s, earning praise as a reformer. He eventually became deputy prime minister and Mahathir's presumed successor but fell out with his mentor during the 1998 Asian financial crisis.

The prison term

Anwar launched the 'Reformasi' movement two decades ago to challenge diverse Malaysia's race- and patronage-based politics. The movement challenged Mahathir's government and within weeks, Anwar was arrested and jailed on charges of sodomy and corruption.

Images at the time of a goateed, bespectacled Anwar in court with a black eye and bruises brought condemnation of Mahathir from around the world.

Anwar's trial became a spectacle, with prosecutors at one stage bringing out what they said was a semen-stained mattress allegedly used when he had sex with two male aides.

After being freed in 2004, Anwar was jailed a second time. Both times, he and his supporters have said the charges were politically motivated.

Why the pardon

Anwar was originally jailed 20 years ago by then-premier Mahathir Mohamad, on what supporters insisted were trumped up sodomy charges. He was imprisoned again in 2015 by Najib Razak, the man who was ousted last week in shock polls.

His prison term was scheduled to end on June 8, but Anwar came out of prison early following a pardon from King Sultan Muhammad V after a meeting of the Pardons Board which took into consideration the provisions under Article 42 of the Malaysian Constitution. The pardon was granted on the grounds that there had been a miscarriage of justice.

The deal with Mahathir

Anwar's release caps a remarkable reversal of fortune made possible by the BN's unexpected electoral drubbing a week ago.

The former autocrat Mahathir - who headed BN for 22 years until 2003 - came out of retirement to lead a disparate opposition first assembled by Anwar to a upset victory, fuelled by rising public anger at a massive government corruption scandal under Najib.

Under a pre-election pact, Mahathir, 92, had vowed to enable Anwar's release and eventually step aside for him to become prime minister. On Tuesday, Mahathir said he expected to be prime minister for one or two more years, setting off talk of fresh differences between the two.

The king's pardon enables Anwar to re-enter politics immediately. He cannot directly join the government anytime soon.

He must first be elected to Parliament, having been stripped of his seat in 2015 when his conviction on charges of sodomising a young male aide was upheld on appeal and he went to jail a second time.

Anwar enjoyed a meteoric rise in the now-ousted Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. Anwar headed various ministries under Mahathir's tutelage in the 1990s, earning praise as a reformer.

Anwar Ibrahim, a controversial figure in Malaysian politics, was freed on Wednesday after pardon from King Sultan Muhammad V. Anwar was sentenced to five-year jail term for sodomy, a charge he says was trumped up by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak. This was the second time Anwar was jailed he was first convicted of sodomy in 2002. Who is Anwar Ibrahim Anwar first rose to prominence in the 1970s as a radical Islamic student leader, taking part in protests over rural hunger that earned the first of his three jailings by Malaysia's authoritarian regime. He was held for 20 months under a draconian security law. But he later shocked many associates by joining the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), and eventually caught the eye of Mahathir, the tough leader who dominated politics from 1981 to 2003 and has continued to exert formidable influence. Anwar enjoyed a meteoric rise in the now-ousted Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. Anwar headed various ministries under Mahathir's tutelage in the 1990s, earning praise as a reformer. He eventually became deputy prime minister and Mahathir's presumed successor but fell out with his mentor during the 1998 Asian financial crisis. The prison term Anwar launched the 'Reformasi' movement two decades ago to challenge diverse Malaysia's race- and patronage-based politics. The movement challenged Mahathir's government and within weeks, Anwar was arrested and jailed on charges of sodomy and corruption. Images at the time of a goateed, bespectacled Anwar in court with a black eye and bruises brought condemnation of Mahathir from around the world. Anwar's trial became a spectacle, with prosecutors at one stage bringing out what they said was a semen-stained mattress allegedly used when he had sex with two male aides. After being freed in 2004, Anwar was jailed a second time. Both times, he and his supporters have said the charges were politically motivated. Why the pardon Anwar was originally jailed 20 years ago by then-premier Mahathir Mohamad, on what supporters insisted were trumped up sodomy charges. He was imprisoned again in 2015 by Najib Razak, the man who was ousted last week in shock polls. His prison term was scheduled to end on June 8, but Anwar came out of prison early following a pardon from King Sultan Muhammad V after a meeting of the Pardons Board which took into consideration the provisions under Article 42 of the Malaysian Constitution. The pardon was granted on the grounds that there had been a miscarriage of justice. The deal with Mahathir Anwar's release caps a remarkable reversal of fortune made possible by the BN's unexpected electoral drubbing a week ago. The former autocrat Mahathir - who headed BN for 22 years until 2003 - came out of retirement to lead a disparate opposition first assembled by Anwar to a upset victory, fuelled by rising public anger at a massive government corruption scandal under Najib. Under a pre-election pact, Mahathir, 92, had vowed to enable Anwar's release and eventually step aside for him to become prime minister. On Tuesday, Mahathir said he expected to be prime minister for one or two more years, setting off talk of fresh differences between the two. The king's pardon enables Anwar to re-enter politics immediately. He cannot directly join the government anytime soon. He must first be elected to Parliament, having been stripped of his seat in 2015 when his conviction on charges of sodomising a young male aide was upheld on appeal and he went to jail a second time.

The roller-coaster life of Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysia’s former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, jailed for sodomy four years ago, has walked free from prison after receiving a royal pardon.

Anwar’s release is the first big success of the newly elected governing coalition, Pakatan Harapan, led by 92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad, which was swept from opposition to power after a shock election victory last week.&nbsp

The question for Malaysia now is how Anwar will get along with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, his ally-turned-foe-turned-ally, and what role he will play in government.

Anwar, 70, smiled and waved to supporters as he walked out of the hospital, dressed in a black suit and tie and his hair neatly swept back. He was surrounded by his family, lawyers and prison guards before driving to the palace for an audience with King Sultan Muhammad V.

Supporters chanted "Reformasi" (Reform), the movement he launched two decades ago to challenge diverse Malaysia`s race- and patronage-based politics.

Anwar has served three years of a five-year term for sodomy, a charge he says was trumped up by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najb Razak.

Mahathir, with whom Anwar joined forces to win last Wednesday`s election, was at the palace to greet him.

"The king, with the advice of the pardons board of the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, has allowed a full pardon and given an immediate release for ... Anwar bin Ibrahim," the palace said in a statement.

Anwar had been recovering from a shoulder injury in hospital under police guard. He was Mahathir`s deputy in the 1990s but fell out with his mentor during the Asian financial crisis.

He was sacked from the ruling party and founded the Reformasi movement, challenging Mahathir`s government. He was later arrested and jailed on charges of sodomy and corruption.

Images at the time of a goateed, bespectacled Anwar in court with a black eye and bruises brought the condemnation of Mahathir from around the world.

Anwar`s trial became a spectacle, with prosecutors at one stage bringing out what they said was a semen-stained mattress allegedly used when he had sex with two male aides.

After being freed, Anwar was jailed a second time for sodomy in 2015. Both times, he and his supporters have said the charges were politically motivated.

"Many have asked me how it is that our reform movement has now joined forces with the very same former dictator, Mahathir Mohamad, who sacked my father in 1998 and saw him arrested, brutalised and incarcerated," Anwar`s daughter Nurul Izzah, wrote in an article for the Guardian newspaper on Tuesday.

"My answer is simply that we must all firmly resolve to never let our nation sink to the depths it did again and prime minister Mohamad now has a rare second chance to put things right."

The pardon, granted on the grounds that there was a miscarriage of justice, allows Anwar to re-enter politics immediately.

FIGHT NOT OVER

Under a pre-election pact, Mahathir, 92, had vowed to enable Anwar`s release and eventually step aside for him to become prime minister.

On Tuesday, Mahathir said he expected to be prime minister for one or two more years, setting off talk of differences between the two. 
But Anwar`s wife and deputy prime minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail told reporters later that Anwar was in no hurry to become prime minister.

"Seeing him walk free makes me emotional, but the fight is not over," said Ridzuan Ismail, an Anwar supporter at the hospital. "Now we need to see him become prime minister.”

Jack Seng, another supporter wearing a shirt with an image of Anwar behind bars, said he thought Mahathir and Anwar would resolve any tension between them.

"I think we need to let Mahathir do his work to save Malaysia and to get back its system of government."

Differences have already appeared between supporters of Mahathir and Anwar over cabinet positions and Anwar's role.

Mahathir is the leader of the ruling alliance and Anwar`s People`s Justice Party (PKR) won the majority of parliamentary seats in the group.

"The base case is that Mahathir passes the baton to Anwar. But Mahathir may be reluctant to hand over to his former nemesis, and if he drags his feet other scenarios could come into play," said Peter Mumford of the Eurasia Group in a research note.

Mahathir is also racing ahead with an investigation into graft at 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state fund founded by the ousted Najib that is sunk in a multi-billion-dollar graft scandal.

Mahathir has replaced the attorney-general and officials at the anti-graft agency, in what appears to be a purge of people seen as close to the former premier.

Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, have been barred from leaving the country. Najib denies wrongdoing.

"It looks very likely that Najib will face the full force of the law," said Adib Zalkapli, a Kuala Lumpur-based analyst with risk consultancy Vriens & Partners.

"Just last week nobody would have thought that this posh boarding school boy would be rear-ended by his old political headmaster," he said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Anwar has served three years of a five-year term for sodomy, a charge he says was trumped up by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najb Razak.

Malaysia’s former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, jailed for sodomy four years ago, has walked free from prison after receiving a royal pardon. Anwar’s release is the first big success of the newly elected governing coalition, Pakatan Harapan, led by 92-year-old Mahathir Mohamad, which was swept from opposition to power after a shock election victory last week. The question for Malaysia now is how Anwar will get along with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, his ally-turned-foe-turned-ally, and what role he will play in government. Anwar, 70, smiled and waved to supporters as he walked out of the hospital, dressed in a black suit and tie and his hair neatly swept back. He was surrounded by his family, lawyers and prison guards before driving to the palace for an audience with King Sultan Muhammad V. Supporters chanted "Reformasi" (Reform), the movement he launched two decades ago to challenge diverse Malaysia`s race- and patronage-based politics. Anwar has served three years of a five-year term for sodomy, a charge he says was trumped up by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najb Razak. Mahathir, with whom Anwar joined forces to win last Wednesday`s election, was at the palace to greet him. "The king, with the advice of the pardons board of the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, has allowed a full pardon and given an immediate release for ... Anwar bin Ibrahim," the palace said in a statement. Anwar had been recovering from a shoulder injury in hospital under police guard. He was Mahathir`s deputy in the 1990s but fell out with his mentor during the Asian financial crisis. He was sacked from the ruling party and founded the Reformasi movement, challenging Mahathir`s government. He was later arrested and jailed on charges of sodomy and corruption. Images at the time of a goateed, bespectacled Anwar in court with a black eye and bruises brought the condemnation of Mahathir from around the world. Anwar`s trial became a spectacle, with prosecutors at one stage bringing out what they said was a semen-stained mattress allegedly used when he had sex with two male aides. After being freed, Anwar was jailed a second time for sodomy in 2015. Both times, he and his supporters have said the charges were politically motivated. "Many have asked me how it is that our reform movement has now joined forces with the very same former dictator, Mahathir Mohamad, who sacked my father in 1998 and saw him arrested, brutalised and incarcerated," Anwar`s daughter Nurul Izzah, wrote in an article for the Guardian newspaper on Tuesday. "My answer is simply that we must all firmly resolve to never let our nation sink to the depths it did again and prime minister Mohamad now has a rare second chance to put things right." The pardon, granted on the grounds that there was a miscarriage of justice, allows Anwar to re-enter politics immediately. FIGHT NOT OVER Under a pre-election pact, Mahathir, 92, had vowed to enable Anwar`s release and eventually step aside for him to become prime minister. On Tuesday, Mahathir said he expected to be prime minister for one or two more years, setting off talk of differences between the two. But Anwar`s wife and deputy prime minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail told reporters later that Anwar was in no hurry to become prime minister. "Seeing him walk free makes me emotional, but the fight is not over," said Ridzuan Ismail, an Anwar supporter at the hospital. "Now we need to see him become prime minister.” Jack Seng, another supporter wearing a shirt with an image of Anwar behind bars, said he thought Mahathir and Anwar would resolve any tension between them. "I think we need to let Mahathir do his work to save Malaysia and to get back its system of government." Differences have already appeared between supporters of Mahathir and Anwar over cabinet positions and Anwar's role. Mahathir is the leader of the ruling alliance and Anwar`s People`s Justice Party (PKR) won the majority of parliamentary seats in the group. "The base case is that Mahathir passes the baton to Anwar. But Mahathir may be reluctant to hand over to his former nemesis, and if he drags his feet other scenarios could come into play," said Peter Mumford of the Eurasia Group in a research note. Mahathir is also racing ahead with an investigation into graft at 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state fund founded by the ousted Najib that is sunk in a multi-billion-dollar graft scandal. Mahathir has replaced the attorney-general and officials at the anti-graft agency, in what appears to be a purge of people seen as close to the former premier. Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, have been barred from leaving the country. Najib denies wrongdoing. "It looks very likely that Najib will face the full force of the law," said Adib Zalkapli, a Kuala Lumpur-based analyst with risk consultancy Vriens & Partners. "Just last week nobody would have thought that this posh boarding school boy would be rear-ended by his old political headmaster," he said. (With inputs from Reuters)

Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim freed from jail after Mahathir election win

The pardons board in Malaysia's capital will meet on Wednesday to discuss the release of jailed reformist leader Anwar Ibrahim, the palace and his party have said.

Anwar, 70, is serving a second five-year jail term for sodomy, which is a crime in Malaysia.

He and his supporters have said the charges are politically motivated.

A royal pardon would reverse Anwar's conviction and make him eligible to actively participate in politics.

Several people in his People's Justice Party (PKR) expect Anwar to walk free on Wednesday itself from the hospital where he been for the last few months recovering from a shoulder surgery.

But there was no official confirmation of any possible date of release.

PKR allied with Malaysia's 92-year-old leader Mahathir Mohamad to win a general election last week.

Mahathir, who has been sworn in as prime minister for a second inning, had promised during the campaign to secure a pardon for Anwar and then step down and give him the prime minister's post.

"All documentation for the pardon petition is in order and complete," PKR member Sivarasa Rasiah said in a statement late on Monday. "The prime minister has given his assurance that the meeting of the pardons board will proceed as scheduled now at 11 am (0300 GMT) on Wednesday."

Mahathir vowed on Monday to investigate any faults that may have been committed by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak and said all ministries had been instructed not to destroy any documents.

He announced that he would appoint a new anti-corruption commission chief and replace the attorney-general who had cleared Najib of wrongdoing in a multi-billion-dollar scandal linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund.

The government has also transferred the top bureaucrat in the finance ministry with immediate effect while the chairman of the state palm oil plantation agency, Felda, has resigned.

News broke in 2015 that about $700 million allegedly stolen from 1MDB had made its way into Najib's personal bank accounts.

Najib has said the deposit was a donation by an unnamed member of the Saudi royal family which had been largely returned.

Najib set up 1MDB in 2009 and previously served as chairman of its advisory board. He and the fund have denied wrongdoing.

Mahathir blocked Najib from leaving the country last weekend.

A royal pardon would reverse Anwar's conviction and make him eligible to actively participate in politics

The pardons board in Malaysia's capital will meet on Wednesday to discuss the release of jailed reformist leader Anwar Ibrahim, the palace and his party have said. Anwar, 70, is serving a second five-year jail term for sodomy, which is a crime in Malaysia. He and his supporters have said the charges are politically motivated. A royal pardon would reverse Anwar's conviction and make him eligible to actively participate in politics. Several people in his People's Justice Party (PKR) expect Anwar to walk free on Wednesday itself from the hospital where he been for the last few months recovering from a shoulder surgery. But there was no official confirmation of any possible date of release. PKR allied with Malaysia's 92-year-old leader Mahathir Mohamad to win a general election last week. Mahathir, who has been sworn in as prime minister for a second inning, had promised during the campaign to secure a pardon for Anwar and then step down and give him the prime minister's post. "All documentation for the pardon petition is in order and complete," PKR member Sivarasa Rasiah said in a statement late on Monday. "The prime minister has given his assurance that the meeting of the pardons board will proceed as scheduled now at 11 am (0300 GMT) on Wednesday." Mahathir vowed on Monday to investigate any faults that may have been committed by the government of ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak and said all ministries had been instructed not to destroy any documents. He announced that he would appoint a new anti-corruption commission chief and replace the attorney-general who had cleared Najib of wrongdoing in a multi-billion-dollar scandal linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund. The government has also transferred the top bureaucrat in the finance ministry with immediate effect while the chairman of the state palm oil plantation agency, Felda, has resigned. News broke in 2015 that about $700 million allegedly stolen from 1MDB had made its way into Najib's personal bank accounts. Najib has said the deposit was a donation by an unnamed member of the Saudi royal family which had been largely returned. Najib set up 1MDB in 2009 and previously served as chairman of its advisory board. He and the fund have denied wrongdoing. Mahathir blocked Najib from leaving the country last weekend.

Malaysia's pardons board to discuss Anwar's release on Wednesday

Malaysia's king has agreed to pardon Anwar Ibrahim, the country's newly installed prime minister said Friday, paving the way for the jailed opposition leader to return to politics and potentially become premier.

It was the latest dramatic development after Mahathir Mohamad's opposition alliance inflicted a shock defeat on the long-ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, ending the corruption-riddled regime's six-decade stranglehold on power.

Mahathir was sworn in Thursday, becoming the world's oldest elected leader at 92.&nbsp

Mahathir, who had ruled with an iron fist for over two decades before retiring in 2003, cut ties with BN due to allegations that the party's leader and his ex-protege Najib Razak oversaw the pillaging of sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.&nbsp

The elderly politician joined forces with opposition parties that opposed him while in power and agreed that if elected, he would hand over the premiership to Anwar, his former nemesis.&nbsp

Mahathir has previously said he would likely remain prime minister for two to three years, before transferring power to Anwar.&nbsp

Anwar, from the People's Justice Party, is a key long-time leader of the opposition alliance.

One of Malaysia's most charismatic politicians, he was heir-apparent to the premiership until Mahathir sacked him in 1998 and he was subsequently jailed for sodomy and abuse of power.&nbsp

But in a remarkable turnaround, the pair reconciled and joined forces as allegations mounted over 1MDB and Najib became increasingly authoritarian, jailing opponents and introducing laws to stifle dissent.&nbsp

Anwar, now 70, was jailed again in 2015 during Najib's rule, and had been due out next month.

But Mahathir told a press conference that King Sultan Muhammad V, in a meeting with opposition leaders, had indicated he was willing to grant Anwar a royal pardon immediately.

The royal pardon would mean he could return to politics straight away. Without it, he would be banned from political life for five years.

"We will begin the... proper process of obtaining a pardon," Mahathir told reporters. "He should be released immediately when he is pardoned."

Mahathir also announced that 10 cabinet positions would be filled on Saturday, including finance, defence and foreign affairs.

Asked about 1MDB, he accused Attorney-General Mohamed Ali Apandi -- who cleared Najib over the scandal -- of having "undermined his own credibility".

"He in fact has hidden evidence of wrongdoing and that is wrong in law," he said. "Our intention is to go for people who have shown a tendency to be corrupt or who had committed known corrupt crimes."

Anwar, from the People's Justice Party, is a key long-time leader of the opposition alliance.

Malaysia's king has agreed to pardon Anwar Ibrahim, the country's newly installed prime minister said Friday, paving the way for the jailed opposition leader to return to politics and potentially become premier. It was the latest dramatic development after Mahathir Mohamad's opposition alliance inflicted a shock defeat on the long-ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, ending the corruption-riddled regime's six-decade stranglehold on power. Mahathir was sworn in Thursday, becoming the world's oldest elected leader at 92. Mahathir, who had ruled with an iron fist for over two decades before retiring in 2003, cut ties with BN due to allegations that the party's leader and his ex-protege Najib Razak oversaw the pillaging of sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. The elderly politician joined forces with opposition parties that opposed him while in power and agreed that if elected, he would hand over the premiership to Anwar, his former nemesis. Mahathir has previously said he would likely remain prime minister for two to three years, before transferring power to Anwar. Anwar, from the People's Justice Party, is a key long-time leader of the opposition alliance. One of Malaysia's most charismatic politicians, he was heir-apparent to the premiership until Mahathir sacked him in 1998 and he was subsequently jailed for sodomy and abuse of power. But in a remarkable turnaround, the pair reconciled and joined forces as allegations mounted over 1MDB and Najib became increasingly authoritarian, jailing opponents and introducing laws to stifle dissent. Anwar, now 70, was jailed again in 2015 during Najib's rule, and had been due out next month. But Mahathir told a press conference that King Sultan Muhammad V, in a meeting with opposition leaders, had indicated he was willing to grant Anwar a royal pardon immediately. The royal pardon would mean he could return to politics straight away. Without it, he would be banned from political life for five years. "We will begin the... proper process of obtaining a pardon," Mahathir told reporters. "He should be released immediately when he is pardoned." Mahathir also announced that 10 cabinet positions would be filled on Saturday, including finance, defence and foreign affairs. Asked about 1MDB, he accused Attorney-General Mohamed Ali Apandi -- who cleared Najib over the scandal -- of having "undermined his own credibility". "He in fact has hidden evidence of wrongdoing and that is wrong in law," he said. "Our intention is to go for people who have shown a tendency to be corrupt or who had committed known corrupt crimes."

Malaysian king to pardon Anwar Ibrahim, informs PM Mahathir Mohamad

Jailed&nbsp;Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim lost his final bid for freedom on Wednesday when the federal court rejected his appeal to set aside his sodomy conviction and five-year jail term.

A five-member panel of judges ruled unanimously that there was no merit in Anwar&#39;s application for a review of his 2014 conviction, his final legal option for an acquittal. He will now have to serve out the remaining 16 months of his prison term.

&quot;This is not a fit or proper case for this court to exercise its inherent jurisdiction to initiate a review,&quot; Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin, the Chief Judge of Malaya, said as he read excerpts from a 60-page ruling.

Anwar, once a rising star in the ruling party, is the greatest threat to Prime Minister Najib Razak and his coalition, after leading a three-party opposition alliance to stunning electoral gains in 2013.

He was convicted and jailed for sodomising a former aide, a charge that Anwar and his supporters say was a politically motivated attempt to end his career.

&quot;This is not the end of the road ... I have pleaded and reiterated my innocence but the judiciary has ignored my pleas,&quot; Anwar told reporters in the court after the verdict.

&quot;This is a long walk to freedom,&quot; he said.

His wife, children and grandchildren were in court. Crowds of supporters gathered outside in a show of support for their 69-year-old leader.

A former ruling party deputy prime minister, Anwar&#39;s legal troubles began soon after he fell out with then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad in the late 1990s and was sacked.

He then campaigned against corruption and nepotism and led a nationwide &quot;reformasi&quot;, or reform, protest movement. He was later jailed for the first time on charges of sodomy and graft.

&nbsp;

(Reuters)

Anwar Ibrahim,was convicted and jailed for sodomising a former aide

Jailed Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim lost his final bid for freedom on Wednesday when the federal court rejected his appeal to set aside his sodomy conviction and five-year jail term. A five-member panel of judges ruled unanimously that there was no merit in Anwar's application for a review of his 2014 conviction, his final legal option for an acquittal. He will now have to serve out the remaining 16 months of his prison term. "This is not a fit or proper case for this court to exercise its inherent jurisdiction to initiate a review," Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin, the Chief Judge of Malaya, said as he read excerpts from a 60-page ruling. Anwar, once a rising star in the ruling party, is the greatest threat to Prime Minister Najib Razak and his coalition, after leading a three-party opposition alliance to stunning electoral gains in 2013. He was convicted and jailed for sodomising a former aide, a charge that Anwar and his supporters say was a politically motivated attempt to end his career. "This is not the end of the road ... I have pleaded and reiterated my innocence but the judiciary has ignored my pleas," Anwar told reporters in the court after the verdict. "This is a long walk to freedom," he said. His wife, children and grandchildren were in court. Crowds of supporters gathered outside in a show of support for their 69-year-old leader. A former ruling party deputy prime minister, Anwar's legal troubles began soon after he fell out with then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad in the late 1990s and was sacked. He then campaigned against corruption and nepotism and led a nationwide "reformasi", or reform, protest movement. He was later jailed for the first time on charges of sodomy and graft. (Reuters)

Malaysia: Opposition leader loses final court appeal against sodomy conviction

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