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.