Anwar to be released in a matter of days, says Nurul

PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah has revealed that her father Anwar Ibrahim, who is serving a five-year prison sentence, would be freed soon.

She was commenting on a Sinar Harian report, which quoted her as saying the former opposition leader would be freed today.

“Have clarified to Sinar (Harian) who misheard me - soon to be released.

“A matter of days, but how we wish it was today,” she told Malaysiakini.

Meanwhile, Malaysiakini also learned that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is expected to visit Anwar, who is recovering from an operation, at the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital in Kuala Lumpur.

Anwar is scheduled to be released on June 8.

However, speculation has been rife that he could be freed earlier after Mahathir disclosed that the Yang di-Pertuang Agong Sultan Muhammad V indicated that he was willing to bestow an immediate pardon on the jailed leader.

The prime minister said this issue was brought up during Pakatan Harapan leaders' audience with the King yesterday.

Anwar, who had served as Mahathir's deputy prior to his sacking in 1998, is now slated to succeed him in the next two or three years.

Last night, a video of Anwar, dressed in hospital attire, watching Mahathir being sworn-in as the seventh prime minister, went viral on social media. -Mkini