Malaysia Politics: Key opposition figure Anwar receives royal pardon

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02:22

The de facto leader of the largest party in Malaysia's new ruling alliance, Anwar Ibrahim, has been freed from custody after receiving a royal pardon. Anwar was jailed for a second time in 2014 on sexual charges, which his supporters say were politically motivated. Prime Minister Mohathir Mohamad said he will transfer power to Anwar after his release. Rian Maelzer reports from Kuala Lumpur.

RIAN MAELZER KUALA LUMPUR "An astounding week in Malaysian politics and history. Just seven days after the opposition's stunning election victory over Najib Razak and the Barisan Nasional, former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim walks free after serving four years in jail."

Anwar was mobbed by the media at the entrance of the rehabilitation hospital where he's been recovering from back surgery, before heading to the palace to meet with the king who had granted him a royal pardon.

Anwar will expect to finally fulfill what long seemed his destiny, but later, just a forlorn hope and become prime minister though not immediately.

ANWAR IBRAHIM DE FACTO LEADER, PARTI KEADILAN "I discussed this with Tun Dr. Mahathir. My position is to give him all the support necessary to allow him to ensure that the agenda for reform, the changes that need to be effectively carried out and I don't think I would be seen to be either hasty, to demand or insist on any immediate timeline."

Despite being in custody, Anwar's contribution to the election victory should not be underestimated. It was Anwar who first united his multi-racial Parti Keadilan, the mostly Chinese Democratic Action Party and Malay Islamists in an electoral pact.

TERENCE GOMEZ PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA "Anwar was the leader who could coalesce the different political parties. This is not the case with Mahathir. Mahathir has not shown the capability that Anwar has shown to coalesce the opposition."

RIAN MAELZER KUALA LUMPUR "Mahathir Mohamad has said he intends to stay on as prime minister for one or two years to get the country's economic and key reforms on track before handing over to Anwar. Rian Maelzer, CGTN, Kuala Lumpur."