King willing to grant Anwar immediate pardon, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says the Yang di- Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V has indicated his willingness to grant an immediate pardon to jailed PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“The Yang di- Pertuan Agong has indicated that he is willing to pardon Datuk Seri Anwar immediately, so we will go through the proper process.

“It is going to be a full pardon, which also means that he should not only be pardoned but should also be released immediately when pardoned. So, after that, he will be free to fully participate in politics,” Dr Mahathir said at a

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has indicated that he is willing to pardon Datuk Seri Anwar immediately, so we will go through the proper process. It is going to be a full pardon, which also means that he should not only be pardoned but should also be released immediately when pardoned. So, after that, he will be free to fully participate in politics. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister

press conference here.

Replying to a question, he said that to join the cabinet lineup, Anwar has to be an MP first, “so this process will take a long time,” he added yesterday.

“Whether Anwar will immediately join the cabinet or not will be decided when the times come,” said Dr Mahathir.

Seeking the release of and pardon for Anwar was one of the promises in the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto. Anwar is serving a five-year jail term in the Sungai Buloh prison following his conviction for sodomising a former aide. — Bernama