KUALA LUMPUR: Reformist Anwar Ibrahim declared a “new dawn for Malaysia” on Wednesday after his release from prison transformed him into a potential prime minister following his alliance’s stunning election victory.

In scenes that captivated Malaysians, the charismatic 70-year-old returned to the national spotlight after the country’s king quashed a widely criticised sodomy conviction that had put Anwar behind bars for three years.

Anwar said he had forgiven Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who had him imprisoned two decades ago but who took over the opposition alliance and swept to victory last week. The 92-year-old says he will step down in a year or two to make way for Anwar.

“Now there is a new dawn for Malaysia,” said Anwar, flanked by his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and other members of his political party.

Anwar’s release on Wednesday from his second jail term for an unrelated sodomy conviction sets up a tantalising reunion with his nemesis-turned-ally Mahathir.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2018