Anwar ‘glad’ Dr M chose to bury hatchet

(MMO) – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed today his former boss Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent move to bury their past differences after 18 long years.

The de facto Opposition leader expressed his relief to Malay Mail Online at the Palace of Justice here during a break in the proceedings of his court review of his second sodomy conviction, for which he is currently serving a five-year jail sentence.

“It’s a good statement. I’m glad he said it. I am relieved,” Anwar said.

Anwar was responding to the former prime minister’s recent remarks in an interview with news portal Malaysiakini that he no longer held any grudge with his one-time protege who was sacked as deputy prime minister in 1998 on sodomy and corruption charges.

Dr Mahathir was quoted as saying: “I should hope so” when asked if there was no more bad blood between him and Anwar.

Anwar added that Dr Mahathir’s statement was a good move for the future of politics in Malaysia.

“It is a positive development for the country. I am happy he said those things,” the 69-year-old said.

Anwar’s party, PKR and Dr Mahathir’s new party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, are seeking to forge a grand Opposition coalition to go head-to-head with the ruling Barisan Nasional at the next general elections.

However, Anwar’s family does not appear to be as forgiving of Dr Mahathir. Anwar’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and their children have so far issued cold remarks when asked about Dr Mahathir’s attempts to reconcile.