SURROUNDED by heavily armed prison guards, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim today left the Cheras Rehabilitation Centre sharp at 11.30am

The former deputy prime minister is now on his way to the Istana Negara to face the Pardons Board, a formality for his full pardon.

Wearing a suit, Anwar smiled and waved at the crowd which had gathered there since 7am.

Anwar’s lawyer, R. Sivarasa, said the Pardons Board had presented recommendations to the Agong who granted full pardon to Anwar.

“He is not only physically free but also free to participate in the country’s politics as though the past conviction did not exist,” said Sivarasa at the hospital.

He said Anwar will spend a few days with his family and friends.

He would only participate in a return to Parliament after Hari Raya.

“Somebody has to give up a seat but we don’t know who yet,” said Sivarasa. – May 16, 2018.