Former deputy PM free

KUALA LUMPUR: Anwar Ibrahim, the former Malaysian deputy prime minister who was jailed for a sodomy verdict, was released yesterday after receiving pardon.

Witnessed by a large crowd of reporters and supporters, Anwar, 70, walked out of a habitation centre where he was receiving treatment recently under custody.

The National Palace said Muhammad V, the ceremonial head of state, or the king, had allowed a full pardon and given an immediate release for Anwar. The full pardon also allows Anwar to return to politics. – Xinhua