Anwar's New Book Details How He Reluctantly Agreed To Mahathir As PM After GE14
Plus other eye-opening tidbits about his career.
By Dale John Wong — 30 Oct 2023, 12:16 PM
On 29 October, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched a new book that provided interesting details about his political journey so far
The book titled Anwar Triumphs: The Ascent of Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister Against All Odds, was written by Mark Trowell KC, a prominent Australian criminal lawyer.
Plenty of eye-opening insights about Anwar's life were revealed in the book, including his political journey and the conflicts he faced with prominent political rivals, including the likes of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The biography also highlighted Anwar's reluctance to endorse Dr Mahathir as Pakatan Harapan's first Prime Minister
It was revealed that in the aftermath of the 14th General Elections, Anwar had disagreements with his Pakatan Harapan allies regarding Dr Mahathir as the coalition's Prime Minister candidate.
Despite his reservations, however, Anwar eventually gave in to his allies' attempts to convince him that Dr Mahathir was right for the job.
Before the 14th General Elections and while still in prison, Anwar clearly indicated his reluctance to the Pakatan Harapan top brass
In one of his written letters, which has been made public for the first time, Anwar warned his contemporaries of a "ploy" by Dr Mahathir, as well as the dangers of getting involved in games played by the political elites.
"I had to be realistic at the time. Although my letters are important because in them I said: 'Look, this guy cannot be trusted'," he told Trowell.
"Now that you have agreed, I concur. I mean, I've no choice but to agree with you guys."
The book also shone a spotlight on Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Anwar's wife and ally who backed him throughout his struggles
"He said he couldn't have done what he did without the support of his wife," Trowell said regarding Anwar, adding that Dr Wan Azizah had only wanted to support her husband despite having played a significant part in Malaysia's politics.
"She kept their family together while he was in prison and subsequently became the country's first female Deputy Prime Minister."
Anwar Triumphs is the latest in a line of Anwar Ibrahim-related books by Mark Trowell, who has followed the storied politician closely over the years
Previously, the Australian lawyer released The Prosecution of Anwar Ibrahim: The Final Play and Anwar Returns: The Final Twist, both of which detailed key moments of Anwar's political struggles during his earlier days in office.
The latest book, which was published by Marshall Cavendish and reads 195 pages long, is now available at all major bookstores across Malaysia.
