PETALING JAYA: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be returning to Japan on Feb 26 following his Jan 19 denial of entry into Tokyo by the Japanese authorities.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Anwar said he had accepted the invitation of Sasakawa Peace Foundation chairman Jiro Hanyu.
"We will move forward with our program, including the ongoing discussion for the forum of Muslim democrats," said Anwar.
He said the forum was important as democrats in the Muslim world faced challenges, difficulties and repression.
"We need an engagement with democrats in the Muslim world and also with mature democracies like Japan," said Anwar.
He added that the bilateral relations between Japan and Malaysia should be further enhanced.
"Our role is to expand the educational, cultural and inter-civilisational aspects, including the efforts of Muslim democrats in Asia and the Muslim world," said Anwar.
He added that he appreciated Hanyu's apology about his Jan 19 denial of entry into Japan at Narita Airport.
On Jan 19, the Permatang Pauh MP arrived at the airport at 6.46am from Kuala Lumpur but was denied entry by immigration officials. Instead, he was told to board the first flight back or face deportation.
Anwar boarded the 10.45am flight to Kuala Lumpur.
The explanation given to him behind his expulsion was his previous conviction in 1999.
However, Anwar had been allowed entry into Tokyo on three occasions - in 2006, 2009, and 2012.
Until recently, Tokyo had required Malaysians to get a visa before heading to Japan and the necessary paperwork to allow Anwar to enter despite his conviction was done when he applied for the visa.
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