ANWAR Ibrahim plans to return to Parliament by year-end, eyeing a safe seat in a by-election.  

The former deputy prime minister was granted a full pardon and released from jail on Wednesday. The pardon allows him to be eligible to contest in a by-election immediately.

The former Permatang Pauh lawmaker told Malaysia Decides he will want to contest in a by-election to win a parliamentary seat in the near future, despite objections from those around him. 

“Why deny me a seat? People say if you contest, there will be a power struggle. You are mad, is it? 

“I was denied the opportunity to contest, I was unjustly incarcerated. I want to participate. I want to contest,” Anwar told Malaysia Decides yesterday.

Anwar also said he needs to ensure that he can find a safe seat.

“I would need to start looking now. I can’t take risks.”

Even before GE14, Dr Mahathir Mohamad promised he would seek a full pardon for Anwar if Pakatan Harapan won, and would eventually make way for Anwar to be the next prime minister.

Anwar said he would seek the approval of Dr Mahathir to contest in a by-election.

“I will (contest), of course, in this year. I will, of course, inform PM,” Anwar said. – May 18, 2018.