From http://connecttheworld.blogs.cnn.com
Anwar Ibrahim is one of Malaysia’s most influential politicians, but he has also been one of the country’s most controversial and divisive.
Anwar Ibrahim waves as he walks into court in Kuala Lumpur on May 31.
Born in 1947 in Cherok Tok Kun, Penang, Anwar served in the powerful position of deputy prime minister from 1993 to 1998 under the leadership of Mahathir bin Mohamad.
However, over the course of his involvement in the Mahathir government, Ibrahim emerged as one of its biggest critics.
Generally, Anwar’s politics are viewed as reformist and after Anwar’s falling out with the 50 year ruling party, his image was severely tarnished because of a series of harsh corruption and sexual charges that were put towards him.
In 1999, massive street protests accompanied news that Ibrahim was arrested and sent to prison for abuse of power.
Anwar was eventually sent to prison for six years under corruption charges.
A year later in 2000, Anwar was found guilty of a second charge – sodomy – which would carry a further nine-year jail term.
Anwar contested the charges and with a group of supporters, including his wife, he successfully overturned the second charge of sodomy and was released from prison in 2006.
Once released, Anwar was the stand-alone figure in Malaysian politics and was seen as the de facto opposition leader – although he wasn’t allowed to serve in politics until 2008.
However, in the March 2008 election, Anwar and the opposition parties made huge advances towards the ruling coalition.
But, only five months later, Ibrahim was again arrested for claims that he sexually assaulted a male aide.
Anwar vehemently denied the charges and said they were part of a government conspiracy to discredit the opposition leader.
On August 26, 2008, Ibrahim ran for office and won a by-election which allowed him to return to parliament as the official opposition leader.
Today, Anwar continues to argue for strong reform in Malaysia and is calling for the liberalization of government policies including a free media and judiciary.
Anwar Ibrahim is one of Malaysia’s most influential politicians, but he has also been one of the country’s most controversial and divisive.
Anwar Ibrahim waves as he walks into court in Kuala Lumpur on May 31.
Born in 1947 in Cherok Tok Kun, Penang, Anwar served in the powerful position of deputy prime minister from 1993 to 1998 under the leadership of Mahathir bin Mohamad.
However, over the course of his involvement in the Mahathir government, Ibrahim emerged as one of its biggest critics.
Generally, Anwar’s politics are viewed as reformist and after Anwar’s falling out with the 50 year ruling party, his image was severely tarnished because of a series of harsh corruption and sexual charges that were put towards him.
In 1999, massive street protests accompanied news that Ibrahim was arrested and sent to prison for abuse of power.
Anwar was eventually sent to prison for six years under corruption charges.
A year later in 2000, Anwar was found guilty of a second charge – sodomy – which would carry a further nine-year jail term.
Anwar contested the charges and with a group of supporters, including his wife, he successfully overturned the second charge of sodomy and was released from prison in 2006.
Once released, Anwar was the stand-alone figure in Malaysian politics and was seen as the de facto opposition leader – although he wasn’t allowed to serve in politics until 2008.
However, in the March 2008 election, Anwar and the opposition parties made huge advances towards the ruling coalition.
But, only five months later, Ibrahim was again arrested for claims that he sexually assaulted a male aide.
Anwar vehemently denied the charges and said they were part of a government conspiracy to discredit the opposition leader.
On August 26, 2008, Ibrahim ran for office and won a by-election which allowed him to return to parliament as the official opposition leader.
Today, Anwar continues to argue for strong reform in Malaysia and is calling for the liberalization of government policies including a free media and judiciary.
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