WEB DESK
Former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has won a decisive victory in Malaysia’s parliamentary by-election, paving the way for his return to frontline politics in the country.
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad considers Anwar to be his successor.
In Saturday’s by-election, Anwar, who is effectively the leader of one of the ruling coalition parties, the People’s Justice Party, won the seat in the coastal town of Port Dickson by a large margin. There were 6 other candidates in the race.
Anwar told reporters he won by a larger margin than he expected, and wanted to thank his supporters.
He said the results show he won support from a wide range of people, including Malays and Chinese.
Anwar expressed enthusiasm for the future, saying he aims to carry out parliamentary reforms as a member of the ruling coalition.
When he served as deputy prime minister under Mahathir in the 1990’s, Anwar became involved in a dispute with the prime minister over economic measures.
He was removed from Mahathir’s administration. Later, Anwar was arrested, charged with sodomy and corruption, and then jailed. He denied the charges.
After being freed in 2004, Anwar was charged with sodomy again and jailed a second time in 2015. His supporters claimed the charge was politically motivated.
In the parliamentary election this past May, he joined hands with Mahathir, who called for the removal of the then prime minister Najib Razak. Anwar helped bring about the change in the government.
During the by-election campaign, Mahathir supported Anwar.
Observers believe that Anwar, with his extensive political experience, will play a central role in the administration. Mahathir has said he will hand over power to Anwar within 2 years.