Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (right) his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Centre) together with the author of the book ‘Anwar Triumphs’ Mark Trowell (left) during the book launching in Kuala Lumpur.— MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Long-standing rivalries, political treachery and bold initiatives in the rise of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are chronicled in a book to ensure that these historical moments do not go forgotten.
The book, titled "Anwar's Triumphs - The Ascent of Malaysia's Tenth Prime Minister Against All Odds”, written by Australian criminal lawyer Mark Trowell KC, was launched here on Sunday (Oct 29) by Anwar.
The Prime Minister and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail were the guests of honour at the launch of the book, which is the fourth by the author on Anwar’s political saga.
Trowell, in his tribute to Anwar and Dr Wan Azizah, said that the story of Anwar’s “remarkable journey” must be told before “memories become foggy”.
“This is my fourth book and the climax of the roller coaster journey of what I have witnessed of Anwar.
“The book brings back some memories - both bad and good. It is a contemporary account of events before memories become foggy,” said Trowell, who was an international observer during Anwar’s legal fight against his alleged political persecution.
He recalled that as a criminal lawyer, he had to write about how former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad “weaponised” criminal charges to bring an end to Anwar’s political career.
Trowell said that these charges in court were based on flimsy evidence.
“Who would have foreseen someone who had so many difficult setbacks and spent more than 10 years in jail would become prime minister?
“Anwar could not have done what he did without the support of his wife. That is why this power couple is pictured on the front cover of the book,” Trowell said.
He then listed the achievements and contributions of Dr Wan Azizah as a pillar throughout Anwar’s “sensational journey".
The book also narrated the events of what transpired when Anwar and his former foe Dr Mahathir joined hands to win the 14th General Election.
It also unveiled the dramatic downfall of the Pakatan Harapan government and the tumultuous political aftermath.
“This may well be my last book but then again, Malaysian politics is so unpredictable, anything can happen,” said Trowell.
Published by Marshall Cavendish, the book is available in major bookstores nationwide.
At the same event, cartoonist Zunar, whose name is Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, also presented a video on “The works of Zunar: Anwar Triumphs”.
“I am a cartoonist. I hope Anwar will let me contribute as a cartoonist,” said Zunar as he showed off works that he did of Anwar during the "reformasi" movement.
He narrated why and how he drew the cartoons which became popular throughout the period.
