After a divisive election led to Malaysia’s first hung parliament, Anwar Ibrahim has secured the nation’s top job. But at what cost?
With uneasy alliances, racial and religious tensions and political rivals waiting in the wings, Malaysia’s new prime minister faces challenges on multiple fronts as he promises to crack down on corruption and unite the nation.
He’s overcome obstacles before on a tumultuous political journey, in which he’s twice been imprisoned on controversial sodomy charges.
Well-known for his reform agenda, can he deliver the change he says Malaysia needs? Anwar Ibrahim speaks to 101 East.
Chapters:
0:00 | The turbulent journey
2:36 | An uneasy coalition
5:43 | 1MDB corruption scandal
8:40 | On government stability
11:26 | On race matters
13:15 | On religion
16:52 | Anwar’s legacy
Credits:
Reporter: Chan Tau Chou
Producers: Chan Tau Chou, Aun Qi Koh, Parkaran Krishnan Kutty, Joshua Paul
Cinematographer: Joshua Paul
Assistant Camera: Norman Hiu, Farhan Hani
Picture Editor: Badrul Hisham
Digital Producer: Hasham Cheema
Production Manager: Susanna Low
Senior Producer: Liz Gooch
Supervising Producer: Nick Olle
Executive Producer: Sharon Roobol
Photo: Sadiq Asyraf
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Thanks for watching. Please take a moment to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you’re interested in exploring the tumultuous political journey of Anwar Ibrahim, watch this episode: https://youtu.be/SAPgqG6nUws
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Aljeezera…well done and thank you for capturing all that he said on record. Future generations will need to refer to your video to see how bad this man really is…well apart from his flawless rhetorics. On that note, this man’s greatest achievements are all his broken promises to all Malaysians.
The most corrupt political party in Malaysia’s history is UMNO, which has recently formed an alliance with Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership. Anwar had previously collaborated with UMNO before the last General Election, and when he failed to win, he resorted to last-minute tactics to form a government. However, it is ironic that Anwar accuses other parties of corruption when his own deputy, the Deputy Prime Minister, faces 47 corruption charges in court. Anwar is also implicated in covering up a massive scandal known as the LCS case, involving 9 billion ringgit. Instead of taking action and holding accountable those responsible for this significant corruption, Anwar bailed out the case by injecting an additional 2 billion ringgit, making it a total of 11 billion ringgit. Furthermore, he reduced the number of LCS ships to be delivered to the Navy from 6 to 5, despite his involvement in adding funds. It is evident that Anwar often speaks about combating corruption but conveniently overlooks the corrupt actions of his own allies within the current government. When questioned about his appointed Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi, who is widely recognized as one of the most corrupt politicians in recent Malaysian history, Anwar deflects by claiming that the court has yet to pass judgment, despite Zahid Hamidi defending himself in court. Interestingly, since Anwar assumed the role of Prime Minister, the court has repeatedly postponed Zahid Hamidi’s trial, raising doubts about its impartiality. However, Anwar’s rhetoric changes when addressing the opposition, as he hurls accusations of corruption even before cases have been fully tried. He openly accuses opposition leaders of abusing their power and engaging in corruption, initially claiming amounts as high as RM600 billion, which progressively decrease to lower figures and end up to RM232 million and last at RM195 million ringgit. Anwar’s selective focus on corruption conveniently overlooks the fact that his own deputy faces numerous corruption charges. It is clear that the court system lacks the independence Anwar claims, as evidenced by the repeated trial postponements. Additionally, the return of Zahid Hamidi’s suspended passport, without any clear basis or prejudice, further raises questions. Despite Anwar’s rhetoric against corruption, his actions demonstrate a defense of corrupt individuals and a party with a long history of corruption. This contradicts the principles and ideals he proclaimed prior to the General Election. Currently, Anwar faces pressure from UMNO to release another major corrupt figure, the former UMNO Prime Minister who has been found guilty and imprisoned in the SRC case, while Najib is also facing trial in the 1MDB case. Even Najib’s wife is undergoing trial for corruption, and there are indications that Anwar may interfere to present Rosmah as innocent in the corruption case during her time as the Prime Minister’s wife. Furthermore, Anwar has granted special privileges to his corrupt UMNO allies, allowing them to visit Najib in prison without adhering to the standard protocols. Anwar’s revocation of the government agency ROS’s decision regarding UMNO’s legal violations demonstrates his willingness to protect corrupt practices within the party. Anwar’s rhetoric against corruption appears insincere, as he has become the defender and champion of corrupt individuals in his pursuit of becoming the Prime Minister.
@Ibnu Mujaddid But here’s the thing…this man has been screaming reformasi for more than 2 decades of which corruption, nepotism and cronyism are top of PKR agendas. When he became PM…what does he do promote/tolerate corruption, appointed his daughter as advisor and god knows how of his buddies have been appointed to whatever and above all…the very thing he promised Malaysians that PM cannot do is to appoint oneself as Finance Minister. What does he do? He appoint himself as Finance Minister. Right now this man does not deserve to be PM solely on the basis of integrity and credibility. I don’t want to go down the path to look at his performance which currently is nothing short of a shocker..
Sorry but Anwar’s policies aren’t even phenomenal or anything, they’re just common sense. What’s mind blowing is how the majority in Malaysia has been continuously supporting incompetent leaders, tolerating widespread corruption and letting the rich get richer under the guise of “Malay rights”.
@Ibnu Mujaddid So wtf do u expect him to do? Arrest his “allies” then let the country go to the dogs when his coalition no longer holds the majority in parliament? He needs to lead the government in order to change the system.
The most corrupt PM of all time. Have practiced nepotism for decades but somehow he calls out other people when they do it. What a hypocritical clown 🤡
Anwar Ibrahim is a pathological liar.
He says he fights corruption YET selected as the Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi which has 47 criminal cases including corruption.
Before winning the elections, Anwar Ibrahim was vocal about the LCS case. Now, they do everything they can to bury the issue.
No more political appointments he said. Yet there are.
No nepotism he said. Yet he appointed his own daughter to the position of adviser. Yes, no salary BUT no salary doesn’t mean no perks. His daughter resigned from that position only after an uproar.
He lied about bringing down fuel prices.
Before the elections, he was vocal about the KWSP issue. Now, the people of Malaysia are told to use their KWSP money as a collateral to take a loan from the banks.
He accused the opposition Perikatan Nasional [ PN ] coalition of accepting campaign money from gambling companies. That has been proven as a false allegation.
He also accused PN of swindling RM 600 billion but his own minister Tengku Zafrul denied the allegation.
Anwar Ibrahim is a FRAUD.
Wait and see.
We pray PM Anwar can continue to lead us .
Anwar must have steel soul to take on all the corrupt Malaysians especially those from atas
Proud of you DSAI 🥰 Segulai Sejalai Kitai 👍💪
Good interview. Best pm of Malaysia
Give PMX chance to make Malaysia great for proud Malaysian.
DSAI’S UNIQUE DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AS A PM,NEVER FOUND IN HIS PREDECESSORS.HE HAS A WELLBALANCED VIEW ON RACE RELATIONS, WITHOUT RELIGIOUS INTERFERENCE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE.,WHERE THE RUKU NEGARA PRINCIPLES ARE MADE APPLICABLE.,TO ALL MALAYSIANS IRRESPECTIVE OF RACE AND RELIGION.WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO REALISE IS ,BY FOCUSSING ON RACE OR RELIGIUOS DOMINANCE CAN LEAD TO UNCONTROLLED DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES THAT ARE HARDLY MONITORED.MAYGOD ALMIGHTY BLESS HIS PREMIERSHIP OF MALAYSUA.
Since you know is turbulent why? Racism System (Spoiling race base), Inequality Wealth Distribution (100% Bumi & 0% Other Races) Totalism All govt staff dominance (100% Malays & O% Other races). Now is the Malays fighting Malays (internal) for corruptions and dominance. I suggest accept equality Malays 35%, Chinese 35% Indian 15% & Foreigners 15%. Government Office (All government departments) % Equal Wealth Distribution.
teringin nak dengor Hamzah & Hadi Awang speaking proper English like this 🤣
Dah kau mentadbir pun tak pandai.. tahu bercakap aja… lepastu salahkan orang.. itu aja yang kau pandai
Anwar, your Premiership ending soon. Sack MACC and start your reform fast.
You won’t have second chance!
This PM is the most incompetant PM Malaysia has ever had. Love toTalk a lot but very do very little action. Even appointed a corrupt leader as his DPM
He himself is ganging up with the corrupted
PMX should thank Rafizi…his formulas & monetary support had massively convinced people to vote for PH
Buang masa temu ramah. BAPAK SI MUNAFIK…TAU DAH DH BNYAK SPUN..CKP LAIN BUAT LAIN..SEMBANG XSERUPA BIKIN…
According to the Prime Minister, the government is very stable with 2/3 majority.
😂
Last time when his party is opponent and UMNO is a ruling party, he said UMNO is corrupt party.
Now he is ruling the country with UMNO,
he said the opponent is corrupt.
I think he get mental problem
Not forgetting the leaders of opponent parties now are formerly the leaders/members of UMNO. 😂
Anwar is a hypocrite. His aims is just to be PM. Taking care of the people and country are secondary. Allah will punish him if he broke his promises.
The most rhetorical prime minister we’ve ever had. No achievements yet but playing on creating sentiments to ensure stability of his government. Ringgit all time low under Anwar Ibrahim
Thank you Anwar for his vision and political cleansing 👏👏👏
Hope the next few terms pm Anwar stay in power to bring back the glory of Malaysia what it was before..1st ly PM Anwar should eradicate the corruption at his best to make Malaysia a great nation again.god bless..
Keep going PM, I believe in you, we believe in you. Please control the Polis, and stop any corrupt practices and abuses of power. They seem to think they are the royalty and we the rakyat are their peasants. They need to be heeled back inline. They should be serving us !
thank god finally we have a leader that we can be proud of
Whatever he spoke about did not have any value and substance. He should be grilled like in BBC’s Hard Talk. Banyak merapu PMX
God is on PMX side , we will destroy the EVIL
Anwar claimed to be a ”close friend” of Zbigniew Brzezinski…………………enough said………….
More rhetoric than actual doing so far.
High hopes on Anuar to compromise & harmonize to be at lost economic helm.
May Allah protect our PM
Lihat lah Kat Kajang sahaja masing masing dengan pot itu jaga ini jual rokok lain yang kutip tempat urut yang bawahan atau judi dalam talian ketuanya pot pot dan menjual no ekor dan banyak lagi timbalannya jangan ingat kamu kebal undang dangan meminta rasuah sana sini kerena itu kamu fikir jenayah kamu buat orang tak tahu minta pihak SPRM siasat akaun penjenayah ini agar mereka tahu meteka bukan kebal undang undang jika SPRM tak buat ertinya mereka juga lagi habat makan rasuah.. Itu sebabnya jenayah mencuri dan rasuah tidak pernah ada kesudahannya kerena delang jenayah meter ketua itu sendiri
Do the best and right 🎉🎉🎉❤
Talk bout corruption
Yet he join forces with BN
His deputy have d most charges in Msia history
Lagend DSAI.. our best PM..
No doubt Anwar is Great PM but as he did not want to lose the chance be PM he had no choice but accept BN offer to form the unity Gov and appt Zahid as his DPM even he is facing corruption charges who now taking advantage in many issues .
Mahiaddin won’t able to speak more than 2 sentences with the intwrviewer
OUR 10TH HONORABLE SMART BRILLIANT DSAI HAS GREAT BEAUTY IN HIS SAYING, BEING COMPASSIONATE, CALM, RESPECTING ALL MANKIND & WILL DO HIS BEST IN JUSTICE, PEACE, TRUTHFULNESS & KEEP GOING FORWARD TO BUILD THE DYNAMIC & LEAD THE COUNTRY WITH LOVE & KILL CORRUPTION FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR BELOVED COUNTRY BUMI MALAYSIA. WE LOVE U RESPECTABLE PM SIR.
🙏🙏🙏❤👍👍👍👍👍💪💪💪
Great our pm dsai👍
hidup YAB DSAI
Saya pmx suka main jubur tahi
For someone who tasted what it was like to be imprisoned would speak from conviction. He knows what he’s saying and who he’s referring to when he said ‘dogs’. We can only work together as one now as there’s absolutely no other way up.
Say no to lgbtq in Malaysia.
Any Malaysian citizen with half a brain and awareness knows this is true. This is like extreme left logic of the US democrats but the only problem is Malaysia isn’t as robust as the US. There is only so much Malaysia can take before falling.
Why not ignore them and carry on with official duty…
“Most Corrupt”…did he also include his bed partner, Zahid Hamidi?
Our PMX is always ready with an answer. We are proud to have him as our leader. 👋👋
As Malaysian i dont trust him…he even couldnt handle food price hike…dont believe me…lets look at the next state election..
Very difficult, many hidden corrupt forces wanting PM Anwar to fall, I pray that he is successful in reforming Malaysia, tired of race and religion cards being played to divide the Malaysians.
Take care of the racial and religious fanatics..the rest will take care of itself…the threats to the country are them… the fanatics…they use race and religion to justify everything including stealing public funds…that is what has been eating away at the core of this blessed country..go get them Anway..we are all behind you..more will join you in this noble cause
Great Great Great.
Right, no one should be spared against corruption, a mandatory law to abolish corruption shd be incision permanently that no one can be let off against corruption regardless of his status.
pm retorik…mungkir janji, berbohong, berlebihan(berdendam)
What is the similarities between Anwar and NATO ??
Both can talk but no action 😂😂. Whole his life never doing anything good for the country , only talking some bombastic words and condemning others , what a pity for Malaysia to have someone like him as a leader .
this is my very Haha PM…
I’m Sikh Malaysian, I’m proud to be Malaysian coz DSAI is my awesome PM, so so so proud of him ❤ God bless you DSAI
God bless Malaysia. Americans pray for her prosperity!
How much suffering malaysian need to be gone through to deserve a good PM like Anwar Ibrahim and bring good changes to Malaysia?
Get all the money back to our country and charge those people who robbed!!!
So far nothing to be proud since his appointment. No great achievement can be seen until today.
Too bad, majority of the opposition supporters bought in with those purportedly race & religion issues instigated by PN politicians. These people totally fail to understand what the country badly needs to be fixed right now.
MashAllah. Tabarakallah. May Allah guide, protect and grant safety & success to DS Anwar Ibrahim and his loved ones❤
6:42 i believe the courts are independent
means kes liwat tu betul la
All those good comments are from his Cybertrooper. A fake account😂
Dont talk about corruption when your deputy is just sitting next to you with a big smile.
The corrupted politicians who in the past could freely rob the people who trusted them using all tricks based on race and religion…are today facing off against the people of all races and socioeconomic background.
Since AI became PM, he is breaking the walls protecting the crooks who in the past can rob the country with impunity because they have put up structures and organized a criminal organization to facilitate their belligerent rampage.
1MDB was thought as a real slap on the face of all Malaysians but the subsequent alleged corruption committed by the PM during the COVID-19 pandemic is at even higher level.
The corrupted politicians are not going to give up their lavished lifestyle so easily and are trying to garner support amongst them.
AI must act fast and break up criminals to reorganize and throw the country into the abyss of darkness again or he will be dispose and never to return. AI owes the people who have supported and stood by him for so long to act against those who are still working to regain their power and continue to rob the people.
🇲🇾sian is very proud of our pm
Our PM is really outstanding n impressive man.
Can you imagine, fighting corruptions and everything but eventually had to appoint the thieves as ally lol
Amazing Statesman, forged on not bend on revenge to those who castrated him, backstabbed him, harm and hurt him badly, lied and put him on a sky high pedestals with fanfare and crown but push him down instantly, dashed his Hopes, but he still come out strong and hopeful to save and build a happy clean healthier MALAYSIA!
Thanks to your family, fellow comrades, the Good Rakyat of all races to support him!
Carry on safely, with care and love and superb strength to go on…Your God, Your Family, Friends & Comrades, People out there will always be behind you.
Ribuan Terima Kasih DSAI ❤👍👌🤲🙏✊👊🤜🤛👏
Syabas PM Anwar Ibrahim. His dreams for Malaysia is being thwarted at every turn because of those who have been corrupted.
DSAI looks fatigued and not in the best condition. Clear evidence of how relentlessly he has taken his responsibility and job as Prime Minister. We as rakyat should be glad someone like him is at the helm to lead the nation
❤❤❤
😂😂😂No gangs up,as usual Anwar Ibrahim making up,BS,making up stories,proofs he gangs up with thrives and making them ministers 😂😂😂
Now sodom is Prime Minister,Malaysian can be proud 😂
Is that include Zahid Hamidi?
Precisely
Now that we hav a deserving PM who knows what is good for Malaysia let’s put our faith in him to do his job. And so far…so good, better than previous government. As for us rakyat, we just support DSAI and govt thru a very simple task….to VOTE.
This is the best team we can hav. The others …ahem ahem, urghh…🙄
Those attack was preplan To show that ISLAM WILL PLAY ITS OTTOMAN EMPAYAR GAME BEING PAID UNDER TABLE WHILE TO FOLLOW ANTICHIRST AGENDA 💩👹😈🇲🇾🤡🕳️🤑
Jangan halalkan semua benda hanya untuk kekal berkuasa. Semoga PMX memimpin negara dengan baik.
Malaysia keeps getting this lay back leaders. PMX should see how Jokowi and his line of leaders are leading the country.
🇲🇾 ANWAR IBRAHIM GOT KARISMA
More than 20 years we waiting. Let PMX do their job
Pasal kes corruption tu aku rasa wartawan ni terlepaa satu soalan killer. Dia tak tanya pasal TPM 😂
😂
Majority of the voters would certainly support Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia Prime Minister unless you are a sesat!
This must SURRLY2 be the VERY2 BEST Q & A TRUTHS/RESPONSE by any pm who’s BOLD & DOUBTLESSLY CONFIDENT TO FIGHT KAKISTOCRACY or SAKAUTOCRACY (Mlysn term.) of 65++ YRS!!! YAB, DSAI’s response is very2 goood for mankind facing deliberated corruptions by the very elected leaders who are the perpetrators of all the wars, terrorism, killings, sufferings & sorrows among earthlings! Surely tge world needs a few more pms like YAB, DSAI!!! MAY ILLAHI/YHWH/GOD PROTECT & BLESS DSAI & HIS BELOVED ONES & MALAYSIA!!!
As a Malaysian, I can confirm he has a master in talking, but his action not necessarily parallel with what he was taking about. We used to call him NATO (No Action, Talk Only) 😅😂. He is the worst PM we ever had so far.
Popcorn 🍿 for PMX now. All these gang of pengkhianat SAKAU must be rounded up and put behind mental institution.
PMX is always consistent. Got a ❤️ of gold. Love his neighbours regardless. Respect the rule of law. Citizenship of the democratic world.
Super interview. 👌 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍.
Love the sincere, open and candid interview. Thanks. ❤️ PMX 👍.
Jai Hinduja. The corrupt elites will used majoritism in race and religion to regain power.
4:56 corruption has been endemic in the country
So qualified PM
Peliwat jilat punggung penyamun🎉🎉🎉
Generation after generation, decade after decade, this so-called multiracial country has finally had a prime minister who represents all races in the country and is committed to fighting poverty through policies based on needs rather than race. We did progress.
Only talk bullshit this worst malaysia pm
Wow, Malaysia’s chameleon (The Economist 2009) whose political coaliation has been rejected by majority of his own race has no problem making a pact with a rogue politician currently being charged with 47 corruption cases just for the sake of fulfilling his lifelong dream (to be PM). And don’t forget about lists of his cronies exposed by his predecessor Tun M few days prior to his sacking as both DPM & VP of UMNO in 1998. Anti-corruption my kunyit