THE release of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim today is a Ramadan blessing for his family, said his daughter Nurul Nuha Anwar.

The family are still in disbelief that Anwar is coming home after he was jailed in 2015 over his second sodomy conviction.

Anwar was found guilty of sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari, in 2008. The family said he was framed to avert a political challenge.

“It is unbelievable. But we are very happy. For him to be able to come home during Ramadan is truly a blessing.

“We missed him at our terawih prayers, sahur and breaking of fast. Papa was always our imam, leading the family prayers,” said Nurul Nuha, who headed the “Free Anwar” campaign.

Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan and PKR de facto leader, is expected to be released later today, getting free a few weeks earlier than his scheduled release next month.

This came about after PH won GE14 on May 9. Getting him a royal pardon has been PH’s promise if it came into power.

The Pardons Board is set to hold a meeting today, which could see Anwar released several hours later.

The charismatic leader is PH’s choice for eighth prime minister after Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Nurul Nuha is Anwar’s second of six children with his wife, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

She said the family have not made any big preparation to welcome her father, apart from ensuring that he has a good bed to sleep in on his first night home.

Anwar has been suffering from recurring shoulder and back injuries from his time spent in jail.

“There are no family holidays, as mother has work as deputy prime minister.

“We are just waiting for the moment to have him back. We want to spend time with him. He will want to see his children and grandkids,” said Nurul Nuha.

“We are really looking forward to Ramadan this year.”

Dr Wan Azizah said Anwar would not take over from Dr Mahathir immediately, adding that it was more important that he be given time to recuperate fully. – May 16, 2018.