With father in jail, another Anwar daughter rises to the fore

(Malay Mail Online) – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, Nurul Nuha Anwar, will spearhead a campaign by the family to push for his release, in the footsteps of “Puteri Reformasi” Nurul Izzah Anwar during the opposition leader’s incarceration in the 90s.

The second of six children, Nurul Nuha said today the “March to Freedom” campaign will focus on securing Anwar’s release from a conviction won on “unjust persecution” as well as to highlight the many human rights issues plaguing Malaysia.

“Our father has shown us in the last 17 years what great perseverance, courage, integrity, and passion means. He is what it means to stand up against all odds,” she said at a press conference here at Anwar’s private residence here.

“His core values will remain with us; we will take over his mantle,”” she said, her voice choked with tears.

The campaign will not be a physical protest but will seek to win international support and apply diplomatic pressure on Putrajaya to uphold human rights, amid fears that more Malaysians will be targeted for dissent.

“We call on everyone to join us and let injustices end… For the past 17 years it has been an emotional roller coaster but we will be with our father till the end,” Nurul Nuha said.

Anwar’s eldest daughter, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, stressed that this campaign did not necessarily mean her sister was joining politics.

She then sought to divert attention back to the campaign to secure Anwar’s release.

“I think the focus now is to set up a secretariat (for the campaign) and to ensure Nuha becomes the face.

“The first priority is to bring home the fact that Anwar is a victim of injustice, it is not just him on trial but also the judiciary,” she said.