header banner
WORLD

Malaysia’s reformist icon Anwar freed, given royal pardon

MALYASIA, May 16: Malaysia’s reformist icon Anwar Ibrahim has been freed from custody after receiving a royal pardon...
By Associated Press

MALYASIA, May 16: Malaysia’s reformist icon Anwar Ibrahim has been freed from custody after receiving a royal pardon, paving the way for a political comeback following his alliance’s stunning election victory.


The 70-year-old Anwar was convicted of sodomy in 2015 in a case he said was aimed at crushing his alliance after making gains against Malaysia’s long-ruling coalition government. His sentence expires June 8 but the unexpected election win of his alliance led by former leader Mahathir Mohamad in May 9 polls led to his swift release.


Related story

Malaysia's Anwar seeks to become PM amid turmoil


Anwar waved to reporters as he was whisked from a hospital Wednesday where he was recovering from a shoulder surgery. Party spokesman Fahmi Fadzil says he has been pardoned by the king.


He is prime minister-in-waiting but unlikely to take over quickly from Mahathir.


Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Related Stories
WORLD

Malaysia says no case against PM-in-waiting Anwar...

WORLD

Calling for better ties with West, Iran reformist...

WORLD

Malaysian rivals Mahathir and Anwar ally again in...

My City

Dua Lipa spends quality time with Anwar Hadid duri...

WORLD

Malaysia to revamp gasoline subsidies and raise ta...