IN his first press conference after being pardoned and released from prison, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim said he harbours no ill feelings against Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the man who had locked him up years ago over a sodomy charge.

“Many people have asked me why do I work with that man (Dr Mahathir), are you sure? Are you sincere?

“Even a statesman asked me that question, and I looked at him and said, ‘My interest now is the welfare of the nation, and Dr Mahathir now supports the reform agenda. Why should I harbour malice against him?’”

He said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir has shown sincerity in supporting the reform agenda and had worked very hard in the run-up to the 14th general election.

“He was also maligned in the media. It felt like deja vu.”

Anwar was freed at 11.30am, having been granted a full pardon by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.

After his release, he had an hour-long meeting with the Agong at Istana Negara, where national and international issues were discussed.

He met Dr Mahathir on his way to the palace.

At 1.30pm, Anwar, flanked by prison wardens, was taken to his house in Bukit Segambut. He was greeted by cheers from supporters, who had gathered since noon.

Prior to the press conference, the wardens, led by an officer, held a “ceremony” marking his official release. – May 16, 2018.