Malaysia's reformist icon Anwar Ibrahim freed, given royal pardon

Malaysia jailed opposition icon Anwar Ibrahim leaves a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, May 16, 2018.

Malaysia jailed opposition icon Anwar Ibrahim leaves a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, May 16, 2018.   | Photo Credit: AP

Anwar was convicted of sodomy in 2015

Malaysia’s reformist icon Anwar Ibrahim has been freed from custody after receiving a royal pardon, paving the way for a political comeback following his alliance’s stunning election victory.

The 70-year-old Anwar was convicted of sodomy in 2015 in a case he said was aimed at crushing his alliance after making gains against Malaysia’s long-ruling coalition government. His sentence expires June 8 but the unexpected election win of his alliance led by former leader Mahathir Mohamad in May 9 polls led to his swift release.

Anwar waved to reporters as he was whisked from a hospital Wednesday where he was recovering from a shoulder surgery. Party spokesman Fahmi Fadzil says he has been pardoned by the king.