Anwar Ibrahim Expresses Deep Gratitude to Erdogan for Support During Difficult Times

Putrajaya, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took a moment during his welcome address to express heartfelt gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his unwavering support during challenging times when others turned away.

Speaking at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on Monday before Erdogan’s public lecture, Anwar became visibly emotional as he reflected on his longstanding friendship with the Turkish leader and First Lady Emine Erdogan.

“It would be remiss if I did not speak of my own friendship with Erdogan and Emina, a friendship built not on convenience, but on steadfast solidarity,” Anwar stated.

He recalled that during his personal hardships and prolonged adversities, Erdogan and Emine extended their support to him, his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and their family when many others chose to distance themselves.

Anwar emphasized that Erdogan’s backing was not motivated by political expediency but was an authentic expression of fraternity and friendship.

“No, it was an expression of genuine fraternity. Wan Azizah and I have never forgotten it, and we, the people of Malaysia, never will,” he said, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.

In 2008, Anwar took refuge at the Turkish embassy amid concerns for his safety following accusations of sodomy. Subsequently, in 2015, he was sentenced to five years in prison on sodomy charges, which he consistently denounced as politically motivated. In 2018, he was granted a full royal pardon.

Meanwhile, Anwar underscored that Erdogan’s visit to Malaysia reaffirmed the enduring and forward-looking partnership between the two nations, signifying continued strong bilateral ties and cooperation.