Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim freed from jail after Mahathir election win

Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim has been freed from jail, saying the opposition's election victory was "a new dawn" for Malaysia.

Once seen as a future leader, he was jailed on sodomy and corruption charges after falling out with the government.

Malaysia's new Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad sought a pardon for Mr Anwar, which was granted on Wednesday morning.

Mr Mahathir has promised to step aside for Mr Anwar to become prime minister within two years.

The politician was jailed for a second time three years ago on what he said were trumped-up sodomy charges.

After his release, he told a news conference he thanked the people of Malaysia, who "stood by the principles of democracy and freedom".

"They demand change."

For years Mr Anwar headed Malaysia's opposition movement, which has just defeated the former ruling party for the first time in the country's history.

Last week's shock election victory followed a reconciliation between Mr Anwar and 92-year-old Mr Mahathir, who sacked and jailed him 20 years ago during his first stint as prime minister.

Mr Anwar said he had forgiven Mr Mahathir and stressed he would give full support to the new government, though not immediately be part of it.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS
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