WHEN Anwar Ibrahim and Nurul Izzah Anwar called on the sultan of Johor late last night, it was a case of action speaking louder than words.

Not only did Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar send his swanky new jet to pick up the just-pardoned icon and his daughter, but the ruler waited to break fast with them – more than three hours after Muslims in Malaysia had ended their fast from food and drink.

Let’s be clear. The sultan of Johor waits for no one, especially in the southern state, where he is all-powerful.

But this is a new Malaysia, where prince and pauper are having to navigate through a different political landscape, where there are different players in positions of power, and where new alliances have to be forged.

The meeting in Johor Baru last night served both parties well.

For Anwar, it was a clear sign to the outside world that though he does not hold any official position in the Pakatan Harapan government, influential stakeholders still believe that he is a powerful force in Malaysia.

It is in Anwar’s interest to nurture and promote the view that he has the credentials to reach out to royals and other groups that may still have some misgivings about Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the PH government.

The Malay rulers have had an uneasy relationship with Dr Mahathir, ever since he moved to curtail their powers in his first tour as prime minister.

Given this history, it may be tough for many sultans to reach out and forge a comfortable relationship with him.

But, they may have fewer hang-ups about opening channels of communication with Anwar. Since receiving a royal pardon and being released from prison, the former deputy prime minister has said he wants to be the voice of reason in Malaysia and a bridge-builder.

For the sultan of Johor, last night’s charm offensive was a smart move.

He gave the future prime minister of Malaysia the proper respect, and sent a signal that he is keen to work with the government of the day.

It never hurts to have a powerful ally. – May 22, 2018.