Anwar: Living in exile not an option

Opposition leader says living in exile not fair to the next generation who are committed to reform.

KUALA LUMPUR: Anwar Ibrahim insisted that keeping him behind bars was not personal but reflected the larger problem of the current government in trying to stifle vibrant democracy which was one of the reasons he was facing the charges instead of seeking asylum elsewhere.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference at the opposition’s office in Parliament, Anwar said, “All my colleagues both here and internationally have urged me to remain outside of the country.

“If I choose to live in exile, how do I explain that decision to young Malaysians? These are the small sacrifices one has to make for the bigger cause. For instance, the UM students who are taking the risk by inviting me.

“I have to be a good role model.

Anwar also regretted that he was not more forceful in bringing about greater reform when he had the opportunity, before being sent back to jail.

“The issue is no longer about Anwar Ibrahim the person, but it is about transforming the country into a more vibrant democracy, to treat citizens fairly, stop racism, religious hypocrisy and the holier-than-thou type of persecution,” added Anwar.

Earlier, Anwar thanked various local opposition leaders and various international NGO’s for their statements of support regarding his alleged unfair political persecution.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng told the press that while he would not give up hope until the very last minute, regardless of what might transpire in the next couple of days, Pakatan Rakyat would hold an emergency meeting with all its leadership to address its next move.

Selangor MB, Azmin Ali also reiterated the coalition’s stance that the charges against Anwar was politically motivated and aimed to discredit the opposition leader’s and PR’s reform agenda.

“The court system has to be transformed to be free and independent from any element of politics,” he said.

Among others present during the press conference were DAP’s Lim Kit Siang and Teresa Kok, PAS’ Mohd Sabu and Mustapha Ali as well as Tian Chua, Nurul Izzah and Rafizi Ramli from PKR.