Anwar Ibrahim: The Long‑Haul Dream of Malaysia’s Prime Minister
It’s 2025, and the story of Anwar Ibrahim is a wild ride of patience, power, and political drama.
Why the wait was worth it
After a hung parliament tossed everyone into confusion, Malaysia’s king finally handed the premiership to Anwar, aged 75, on Thursday. The job he’d chased for 30 years finally materialised.
He told reporters outside his home the night after last week’s elections: “You need to learn from Anwar Ibrahim—patience, wait a long time, patience.”
The “Never‑Been‑Done‑Before” Journey
- Deputy Prime Minister in the ’90s – Anwar was close to the top but never quite made it.
- Prime Minister‑in‑Waiting in 2018 – Another shot, but the alliance crashed after only 22 months.
- A decade in jail – Convicted on charges he insists were politically motivated.
From Mentor to Nemesis
Anwar’s mentor turned rival, Mahathir Mohamad, was once his protégé and his designated heir. But accusations and policy squabbles turned a friendship into a feud.
Mahathir’s “unfit” remark about Anwar, citing “character” concerns, deepened their rift. Even the 2018 impeachment that toppled the old alliance was short‑lived, leaving Malaysia in a political wildcard’s state of affairs.
Reformasi – The New Voice in Malaysian Politics
From civil prison to parliamentary halls, Anwar tirelessly undermined the long‑standing Barisan Nasional coalition, which historically kept Malay interests at the forefront.
His “reformasi” slogan (which means “reform”) went viral, promising to shift the power balance. The coalition’s composition —a diverse mixture of ethnic‑Chinese and Malay‑majority parties—means Anwar’s call for more inclusive governance is a real game‑changer.
Anwar’s Essential Reform List
- End affirmative action that gives disproportionate benefits to Malays.
- Break the patronage chain that has kept Barisan in power.
- Re‑balance representation in a multi‑ethnic society.
All this tells us that the patience of Anwar Ibrahim has finally paid off. He’s now in the top seat of a country that’s ready for change. The future? Well, only time will tell—spice, humor, and a little Aussie gossip will help keep everyone entertained.
Friend and foe
From Firebrand to Front‑Line Fighter: Anwar’s Political Journey
Anwar began his career as a spirited youth leader, charging into politics with the fire of a true activist. In 1993, he was elevated to deputy role under Prime Minister Mahathir, after a stint as Finance Minister. It seemed destiny was pointing to Anwar’s name at the top.
Clash Over Crisis
- When the Asian financial crisis hit, Anwar and Mahathir disagreed sharply on how to navigate the chaos.
- Discontent grew, with Anwar raising concerns about rampant corruption within UMNO.
The Crackdown of 1998
Mahathir’s response was swift and brutal. Anwar was dismissed and then targeted with a highly controversial sodomy charge—an alleged tactic to extinguish his political ambitions.
During the trial, Anwar famously appeared with a black eye, a stark symbol of his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
Later admissions surfaced that the police chief had physically assaulted Anwar while he was imprisoned.
From Re‑Release to Re‑Jailed
- In 2004, Anwar was released, only to be rearrested in 2015 for the same charge.
- Despite this, his leadership propelled the opposition to its strongest electoral showing yet.
- The party secured the popular vote for the first time, although it still fell short of a parliamentary majority.
Through all the turmoil, Anwar’s resolve remained solid—an emblem of resilience for a nation wrestling with its democratic direction.
A last try?
When Political Rivals Became Unexpected Dream Team
In a plot twist that’s got the headlines buzzing, veteran prime‑minister Anwar Ibrahim and former leader Mahathir Mohamad decided to join forces for the 2018 general election. Their goal? To swing the nation away from the long‑dominated Barisan Nasional (BN) after a flurry of corruption allegations sunk it in the mud.
The 1MDB Scandal – a National Blow‑Out
- Najib Razak, the BN chief, got the boot after the multi‑billion‑dollar 1MDB affair.
- The scandal turned BN from a stalwart into a scandal‑laden parking lot.
- With Najib locked up, the political climate was ripe for a fresh coalition.
The Dream Team Forms…and Then…
Once the coalition blocked out BN, Mahathir promised a “big, friendly hand over” to Anwar within two years—talking about a royal pardon too, because you can’t have a political partnership without a good story. But the promise fizzled out fast. Political resistance, unworkable promises, and even a bit of political drama and the duo’s pact dissolved. Anwar was left standing at the edge of the political arena—out in the cold, again.
Anwar’s “Enough Time?” Dilemma
Paired with a recent Reuters interview, Anwar admitted he was aware of the limits of his political fatigue. When asked if the election was the last of its kind for him, he dropped a line that’s both sobering and honest:
“Whether I am considered relevant or not in the next few years, that’s for the people to decide,”
So, the ball has gone back to the citizenry and the king. And guess what? The verdict was in: Anwar waltzed into the role of prime minister. A complete 180, a perfect slam dunk, and maybe a little swagger.
Fun Fact: Who Is the King Who Picks the PM?
If you’re curious about how the king’s choice works or why he’s the ultimate “PM picker,” just glance at the next section of our story. (Don’t worry, it’s no mind‑blowing or royal gossip heat‑up—just solid facts)
