Parliament, Prison, And On to the Palace - Putrajaya Next?

Politics is indeed the art of the possible – friends become enemies, enemies make new enemies, former enemies make peace. They unite to face a new common enemy. Together they combine forces to beat the new-found enemy to become firm, fast friends.

At this nation’s darkest hour, this very spirit of political `kiss-and-make-up’, `let’s-face-the-common-threat’ has become Malaysia’s saviour.

Who would have thought, the man groomed for succession, who fell out favour and suffered the ignominy of sacking and jailing not once, but twice for all his political exertions could well have his slate wiped clean and in due course, to become Prime Minister?

Today, one full week after the Pakatan Harapan coalition became the 14th government of Malaysia, its eight Prime Minister designate walked out of jail free man.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was released from the Cheras rehabilitation hospital which served as his prison after receiving a full pardon from the King.

First on the agenda was an audience with the King at the Palace, from where it was on to his home in Segambut where the media scrum was waiting.

The Prime Minister designate granted an exclusive interview with Astro AWANI to share his joy at his release and the role he is expected to play in this brand new Malaysia.

Incarceration has not blunted his sense of irony nor humour when he said that he and Tun M emerged as kawan paling akrab dan perang paling parah (the best of friends after engaging in a most debilitating war).

Not missing the opportunity to take a dig at the recriminations faced by Umno following the admission of docility of its youth wing in failing to reign in their errant leader, Anwar said anak muda tak perlu jadi pak turut yang bebal dan bodoh (youths should not be imbecilic yes men).

Anwar’s immediate plan is to take a bit of rest with academic engagements overseas. When he comes back, Putrajaya awaits.