BOOK REVIEW | For over 20 years, Australian criminal lawyer Mark Trowell has followed the trials and tribulations of Anwar Ibrahim before he finally became Malaysia’s 10th prime minister.
Anwar Triumphs (2023) is his fourth book on this politician, after Sodomy II: The Trial of Anwar Ibrahim (2012), The Prosecution of Anwar Ibrahim: The Final Play (2015), and Anwar Returns: The Final Twist (2018).
Trowell began writing Anwar Triumphs right after the 15th general election when the Anwar-led Pakatan Harapan could not form a government on their own and had to make allies out of old foes to form a coalition government.
The book is a mixture of interviews, a flashback to Anwar’s sodomy trial, and Trowell’s observation of politics in Malaysia. It may seem a little all over the place in terms of the presentation of the main topic, but it works.
The facts are laid out for the reader. It is up to them to draw their own conclusion.
In an interview featured in the book, Anwar spoke about the need for everyone to see the big picture and put aside past differences to move forward.
Trowell’s interview with former deputy prime minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is especially heartwarming, as this medical doctor turned politician swam against the current to stand by her husband when he was persecuted.
She was Anwar’s greatest supporter and the source of this strength. She helped steer PKR through very trying times as she kept her family together.
Trowell’s admiration for this unassuming lady is evident in the interview and her photo on the cover is to show the world that Anwar’s triumphs are Wan Azizah’s triumphs as well. Together, they are a formidable team.
There is also a short interview with Nural Izzah, Anwar’s daughter, a former MP who now serves as his advisor.
The book also covers Anwar’s release from prison in 2018 when Pakatan Rakyat formed the government after the 14th general election, shock betrayals by key allies, the jailing of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, and ultimately forming a government with former political foes after the 15th general election.
Anwar’s political prosecution and jail for sodomy are also covered in detail, and it helps explain to readers the grounds on which he obtained his pardon from the Agong.
Trowell also pays tribute to the late criminal lawyer and MP, Karpal Singh, whose superb defence of his client reminded us of Anwar’s tumultuous trial.
Ramkarpal, Karpal’s son, is featured in a brief interview with Trowell, about his father and his views about Anwar.
The author also touches on the alliance Anwar had with his former mentor turned foe, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, especially his initial reluctance to enter a deal with Mahathir, the man many held responsible for Anwar’s incarceration the first time.
Hope springs eternal and Anwar, like so many who voted for change, expected Mahathir to live up to his end of the bargain and the book features the agreement between all the parties in the alliance to bring down Najib and BN in the 14th general election.
Anwar’s strained ties with then right-hand man Azmin Ali are also touched upon.
When asked about the book title, Trowell told Malaysiakini in an interview that he chose it because it neatly describes the culmination of Anwar’s roller-coaster journey and struggles against the odds.
“Who could believe after so many years, several major setbacks, and spending more than 10 years in prison, that he could end up as prime minister of Malaysia?”
Love him or hate him, the book essentially reminds us that no other politician in Malaysia faced the kind of persecution that Anwar did and eventually became prime minister. - Mkini
INDRA SATHIABALAN is a Malaysiakini team member.
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