Rise of the Sphynx
Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam The rise of Anwar Ibrahim, leader of Malaysia’s ruling PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) after years of imprisonment brings to mind the mythical Sphynx, the bird that was burnt to ashes and later it rose from the ashes. Today, Ibrahim has nearly two decades of imprisonment behind him on charges most people believe to be politically motivated. Scheduled to take over as Malaysia’s PM by May 2020, Ibrahim has emerged as an influential voice the world over. Ibrahim has grown incredibly over the last three decades as a significant world statesman often seen walking in the footsteps of Nehru and Mandela, leaders whose words are taken seriously worldwide. When he was in Delhi for the fourth Raisina Dialogue for four days earlier this month, I had a few moments with him, renewing our relationship of decades. The way he carried himself and the dignity and reassurance reflected in his speech and manner (as well as the profound content of the speech) showed that he had grow...
