Anwar Ibrahim elected MP despite sodomy charges

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 28: The Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim who heads the People's Justice Party, won with a landslide victory in northern Penang state on Tuesday, Aug 26. He has been sworn in as a member of parliament, ending an absence of nearly a decade. "I feel vindicated. I feel great that I am back," Anwar told reporters after the ceremony.

Anwar recorded a sweeping victory, despite facing fresh accusations of sodomy. Correspondents said he had been expected to win but the level of support for him was substantial. The high turnout saw him winning 31,195 of 47,000 votes, almost double the votes garnered by his opponent. He has been trying to make his political comeback since a ban on seeking public office, related to a previous corruption conviction, expired in April. The former deputy prime minister has consistently denied the charges, which he says are politically motivated.

Wearing a traditional dark blue Malay dress and black cap, the 61-year-old politician was sworn in at a simple ceremony at Malaysia's Parliament House.

OneIndia News