'DPM and wife' – Anwar cracks up audience on role reversal

From 1993 to 1998, Anwar Ibrahim served as deputy prime minister. But since May 2018, he is the spouse of the nation's number two leader.

This is after Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the same prime minister who sacked him in 1998, returned to power after the last general election and named Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as his second-in-command.

Speaking at a ceramah in Rantau last night, the PKR president had his audience in stitches when he shared his experience regarding this role reversal.

He noted how in one recent function, the emcee had referred to him as the “wife” of the deputy prime minister.

“During the opening of Parliament, he (the emcee) announced that the (Yang di-Pertuan) Agong was present... he then announced the prime minister (Mahathir) and his wife Tun (Siti) Hasmah (Ali)...

“After that, he announced Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah and 'wife' Anwar Ibrahim... Even the Agong and queen laughed. I told the (Agong), 'Tuanku, I am accustomed to this',” he added.

Anwar said it was fortunate that the announcement was made during the luncheon where some 50 people were present instead of in parliament.

The PKR president, who said Wan Azizah is now his boss, also recalled how former minister Rais Yatim mocked him at a function when it was announced that the deputy prime minister and her spouse have arrived.

“I (replied to Rais)... You are laughing, you have not felt it (being in his shoes),” he added.

On the same note, Anwar said he was proud of Wan Azizah and that he was blessed to have married her.

“I am lucky to have married Wan Azizah. She understands the struggle for the nation,” he added.

Wan Azizah together with the couple's eldest daughter Nurul Izzah entered the political arena following the fallout between Anwar and Mahathir.

Prior to the last general election, Mahathir and Anwar agreed to set aside their past differences and form an alliance.

Mahathir also agreed to hand over the reins to Anwar in two years but speculations continue to swirl of a possible repeat of the 1998 episode. - Mkini