The recent visits were at the family's request ??

 former aide to AI,  Saiful Bukhari regrets Dr Mahathir's support for release of Anwar 

Saiful said Dr M "should know better" that he was "real victim" of Anwar's criminal act.

regret that Tun M mischievously politicise criminal case decided by court

"I urge Tun M to respect court's decision. Tun M should know better. 

I am real victim of Anwar’s criminal act

On Dec 13 Dr M and Anwar's legal advisor Kimberley released joint statement 

calling for Anwar to be “unconditionally released" from prison immediately.

Saiful said Dr M blinded by facts of case to fulfil political agenda 

despite his previous sympathy towards him as a victim three years ago.

"How easy one can forgo principles and justice when it serves political objectives

In Oct '14, Tun M expressed sympathy towards me at his Yayasan office

with my wife and my newborn son," he said.

Anwar currently serving 5-year term for sodomising Saiful on June 26, 2008.

Read at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/12/14/saiful-tells-dr-m-remember-me-i-was-anwars-victim/#0ly0EYD3poYY1tTF.99

My comments : If Anwar is released it will not be because of Tun Dr M.  If Anwar is released it will be because he would have made a deal with Kepala Bapok. 

Here is some extra info.  Some folks in the know say that the recent spate of visits by Kepala Bapok and Zahid to Anwar in hospital was apparently done at the family's request. 

This is what I heard. Very interesting isnt it? 

A desperate man asks for a lifeline. 

A lifeline always has a string attached.