Anwar Ibrahim’s rise, fall and rise again as Prime Minister of Malaysia is a remarkable story of triumph against all odds. His journey is inspiring, from being ill-treated and mentally and physically tortured while detained for ten years to leading his country to a new Reformasi era.
Unfortunately, the details of his inhumane treatment while in prison are still shocking and disturbing.
In the book 'ANWAR: PRISON TO PALACE, PM FOR ALL', contributing writer Tan Sri Zaini Omar describes the pathetic conditions Anwar endured while detained. The former chairman of SPAN, Director General DCA and JKR noted that Anwar was beaten, tortured, and served stale, rotten food. Sometimes the food was even uncooked. He was also ridiculed, humiliated, and made to sleep on a cold, dirty concrete floor.
It isn't easy to fathom how someone could endure such treatment and still emerge as a leader for their country. But Anwar did just that. He refused to be broken by the brutality he faced, and instead, he used his experience to fuel his passion for change – Reformasi (reformation).
In his maiden address to the PKR congress as prime minister, Anwar clarified that he would not tolerate political intimidation from the opposition. He reminded the audience that his government had never interfered with judicial independence or matters concerning the award of tenders.
“I am not afraid of attempts or threats to topple his Unity Government. I am prepared to deal with plans by corrupt people who were out to undermine him. We will remain strong with the support of leaders of parties in the administration. This is my court (PKR congress); I have been patient for four months. Today, I speak as president of PKR, the reformasi (reform) movement. If you want to threaten me with an assembly in the hope that action will not be taken against the corrupt, you have picked on the wrong prime minister. I do not bow to threats. If you want to try to seize (government administration), go ahead, but it won’t be easy. We are well prepared,” he said.
Anwar's closing speech was met with loud cheers from the estimated 3,000 delegates and observers attending the congress at Stadium Malawati. Anwar's words were powerful but also a testament to his resilience and determination to bring about real change for his country.
Throughout his journey, Anwar has remained humble and approachable. It is evident in the generous, gracious way he conducts himself, even today. He has never lost sight of the people he represents and has always been willing to listen to their concerns.
At about 5 pm, I entered the PKR assembly hall and took the front-row single empty seat. Anwar watched me from the stage with an acknowledging smile. While a new speaker walked up to the mic, I walked up discreetly on stage and gave Anwar four copies of my books. “Thank you,” he softly said.
He flipped through the books intermittently while browsing his phone. The avid reader in him was visible. Sitting on the front row, about 20 feet away from him, as he turned pages of the book, I recalled memories and moments of me interviewing Anwar at his bungalow in Section 14 Petaling Jaya, about 100 metres from my house. He was then the education minister back in the mid-1990s.
In those days, when I addressed him as “Datuk Seri” at the press conference, he grinned at me and said: “Call me Saudara”. That is the same Anwar he is today without any airs of being the Prime Minister. Trust me, he will not tolerate any political intimidation by the opposition.
Anwar Ibrahim's journey deserves to be told and celebrated. It’s the story from his early years as a student activist to being education minister and his eventual rise to the prime minister. Anwar has always fought for what he believed in. And even when faced with immense adversity, he refused to back down. It’s the reason for this unique book, PRISON TO PALACE, PM FOR ALL, also authored by Malaysians.
The 168-page book deepens into Anwar's life from a village boy to Prime Minister — insights into his climbing the leadership ladder, the trials (court) and tribulations. The PM FOR ALL book is available at major bookstores, MPH, Popular, Kinokuniya, Grand City and Lotus Family Restaurant restaurants, priced at RM28.
Freelance Writer M.Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, associate professor and undercover journalist. M. Krishnamoorthy is a media coach, associate professor, and journalist who worked and freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns going undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, disabled salesman and Member of Parliament.
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