I forgive Mahathir, says Anwar

I forgive Mahathir, says Anwar

Agence France-Presse, Jakarta

Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday that he had
forgiven his former boss and ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad, who
accused him of sodomy and corruption -- charges which put him in
jail for six years.

"I haven't met him but I have forgiven him. I have no desire
to revive the issue and take him to court and all because I have
to pay attention to the reform agenda," Anwar told Jakarta's
Elshinta radio during a visit here.

"There are so many things that I have to do for the ummat
(Islamic community) and the nation. I'm not saying that we should
forget tyrannical deeds but we have to be willing to forgive and
look to the future," he said.

Anwar, who was once Malaysia's deputy prime minister under
Mahathir, was jailed in 1998 for allegedly sodomizing his
official driver, then abusing his power to cover up the act.

He and human rights groups maintained the charges were trumped
up to prevent him from challenging Mahathir, whose 22-year reign
as Malaysian leader ended when he retired in October last year.

Malaysia's Federal Court overturned Anwar's sodomy conviction
in September, saying the charges could not be proved beyond
reasonable doubt and criticizing the police and prosecution for
their handling of the case.

Anwar, who arrived in Jakarta late Monday for a five-day visit
to Indonesia, attributed his freedom to Mahathir's successor
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"If it were not for Abdullah Badawi I would still be in jail.
At least the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi
provides some room for the judiciary to make decisions freely,
even though not entirely free," he said.

Anwar praised Indonesia, which earlier this year held its
first full democratic elections to select a new president, for
making great strides towards democracy.

"Compared to Malaysia, Indonesia is much more advanced
(democratically). The problem is how to use democracy to build
the nation economically and root out corruption," he said.

Anwar said he would continue to be involved in Malaysia's
political affairs, dismissing a court decision to bar him from
running for public office until 2008 under laws governing
convicted criminals as political.

He also said he also enjoyed considerable support from
Malaysians.

"I went to the regions and the people's support is encouraging
and overwhelming. After six years without communication, they
still show strong sympathy and love," he said.

Anwar is meeting senior Indonesian figures, including former
leaders, during his visit here. Organizers of the trip are
seeking a meeting between Anwar and President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono on Friday.