Malaysia’s reformist icon Anwar freed, given royal pardon
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Reformist icon Anwar Ibrahim celebrated a “new dawn” for Malaysia after he was given a royal pardon and freed from custody Wednesday, transforming a political prisoner into a prime minister-in-waiting following his alliance’s stunning election victory.
Anwar, 70, was convicted of sodomy in 2015 in a case that he said was aimed at crushing his alliance, which was making gains against Malaysia’s long-ruling coalition government. His sentence was set to end June 8, but last week’s unexpected election win, which ended the National Front’s 60-year rule, led to his swift release.
“Now there is a new dawn for Malaysia,” he told a news conference at his house.
Anwar said he was grateful to Malaysians, “regardless of race and religion, who stood by the principles of democracy and freedom.”