KUALA LUMPUR, 9 November 2005 — Former Malaysian Deputy Premier Anwar Ibrahim plans to return to the election hustings for the first time since he was jailed six years ago, this time in support of an Islamic party he once opposed.
Anwar, banned from standing for election or holding any party post himself, will speak in support of Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS) this month in the run-up to a by-election in the state of Kelantan, party and Anwar aides said yesterday. “This is the first time he’s campaigning for PAS in a by-election,” PAS deputy chief Nasharudin Mat Isa told Reuters. “It’s going to be tough fight but we are confident of retaining the seat,” he added.
Anwar, 58, freed from jail last year, is trying to make a political comeback despite his ostracism from the ruling party and his ban from active politics until 2008.
He is still popular among majority ethnic Malays and is seen by some politicians as someone who could unite Malaysia’s disparate opposition parties, which range from secular reformists to PAS, which wants Malaysia to become an Islamic state.
Political analysts doubt he could ever ride back to power on an opposition ticket, given the ruling Malay party’s dominance, and are skeptical of his fling with PAS, considering his own reputation as a proponent of moderate Islam.
PAS faces a crucial test in the Dec. 6 by-election and is banking on Anwar and the party’s new set of younger leaders to regain support after major setbacks in 2004 polls.
