Anwar Ibrahim facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim SPMK SSPJ SPCM SSAP SPNS DUPN SPDK DGSM DMPN KGCR NPk MP
أنوار إبراهيم‎
Anwar in 2024
10th Prime Minister of Malaysia
Incumbent
Assumed office 24 November 2022
Monarch	Abdullah (2022–2024) Ibrahim (since 2024)
Deputy	Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Fadillah Yusof
Preceded by	Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Constituency	Tambun
12th and 16th Leader of the Opposition
In office 18 May 2020 – 24 November 2022
Monarch	Abdullah
Prime Minister	Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Preceded by	Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Succeeded by	Hamzah Zainudin
Constituency	Port Dickson
In office 28 August 2008 – 16 March 2015
Monarch	Mizan Zainal Abidin (2008–2011) Abdul Halim (2011–2015)
Prime Minister	Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (2008–2009) Najib Razak (2009–2015)
Preceded by	Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
Succeeded by	Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
Constituency	Permatang Pauh
2nd Chairman of Pakatan Harapan
Incumbent
Assumed office 14 May 2020
President	Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
Preceded by	Mahathir Mohamad
2nd President of the People's Justice Party
Incumbent
Assumed office 17 November 2018
Deputy	Azmin Ali 2010–2020) Rafizi Ramli (since 2022)
Preceded by	Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
7th Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
In office 1 December 1993 – 2 September 1998
Prime Minister	Mahathir Mohamad
Preceded by	Abdul Ghafar Baba
Succeeded by	Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Constituency	Permatang Pauh
Ministerial portfolios 1983–1984 Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports 1984–1986 Minister of Agriculture 1986–1991 Minister of Education 1991–1998 Minister of Finance 2022–present Minister of Finance
Parliamentary offices Member of the Malaysian Parliament for Tambun Incumbent Assumed office 19 November 2022 Preceded by Ahmad Faizal Azumu Majority 3,736 (2.99%) Member of the Malaysian Parliament for Port Dickson In office 15 October 2018 – 19 November 2022 Preceded by Danyal Balagopal Abdullah Succeeded by Aminuddin Harun Majority 23,560 (2018) Member of the Malaysian Parliament for Permatang Pauh In office 28 August 2008 – 16 March 2015 Preceded by Wan Azizah Wan Ismail Succeeded by Wan Azizah Wan Ismail In office 29 March 1982 – 14 April 1999 Preceded by Zabidi Ali Succeeded by Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
Personal details
Born	Anwar bin Ibrahim (1947-08-10) 10 August 1947 (age 77) Bukit Mertajam, Crown Colony of Penang, Malayan Union
Citizenship	Malaysia
Political party	UMNO (1982–1998) People's Justice Party (since 1999)
Other political affiliations	Barisan Nasional (1982–1998) Barisan Alternatif (1999–2004) Pakatan Rakyat (2008–2015) Pakatan Harapan (since 2015)
Spouse	Wan Azizah Wan Ismail ​ (m. 1980)​
Children	6, including Nurul Izzah
Parents	Ibrahim Abdul Rahman [ms] Che Yan Hussein
Residences	Seri Perdana (official) SL3, Bandar Sungai Long, Selangor, Malaysia (private)
Education	Malay College Kuala Kangsar University of Malaya (BA) National University of Malaysia (MA)
Occupation	Politician
Signature

Anwar bin Ibrahim (Jawi: أنوار بن إبراهيم‎, IPA: Malay pronunciation: [anwar ɪbrahɪm]; born 10 August 1947) is a Malaysian politician. He is the 10th and current Prime Minister of Malaysia since 2022. He is also the president of the People's Justice Party since 2018.

Anwar has served as the Leader of the Opposition twice, from 2008 to 2015, and again from 2020 to 2022. He leads the Pakatan Harapan (PH) group of parties. He is also a Member of Parliament for Tambun. Before becoming Prime Minister, he was the 7th Deputy Prime Minister. He held many other important roles in the government from 1982 to 1998.

Anwar studied at the University of Malaya. He was a student leader before joining the UMNO party. He held several government jobs in the 1980s and 1990s. As Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister in the 1990s, he helped Malaysia during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. In 1998, he left his government roles and started the Reformasi movement. He later became the leader of the opposition from 2008 to 2015.

He helped bring opposition parties together into the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) group. This group ran in the 2008 and 2013 elections. After facing challenges, Anwar received a royal pardon in May 2018. He then returned to parliament. His wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, served as Deputy Prime Minister. When the government changed in 2020, Anwar became the Leader of the Opposition again.

After leading Pakatan Harapan to win many seats in the 2022 Malaysian general election, Anwar became the tenth Prime Minister of Malaysia on 24 November 2022. He formed a new "unity government" with different parties. He also chose to be the Finance Minister. During his time as Prime Minister, he has focused on making government finances stronger.

Anwar is known as a reformer and intellectual. He believes in Islamic democracy and hopes Malaysia can be a good example for other Muslim countries. He supports judicial independence, good governance, and rejecting strong rulers. He also believes in helping people in need, regardless of their background.

Anwar's Early Life and Education

Anwar bin Ibrahim was born in Cherok Tok Kun, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, which was then part of Malaya. His father, Ibrahim bin Abdul Rahman, was a Member of Parliament and worked in the Ministry of Health. His mother, Che Yan binti Hussein, was a housewife who was active in local politics.

Anwar went to secondary school at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar. He later studied at the University of Malaya, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Malay Studies. He also worked on his Master's degree in Literature from the National University of Malaysia.

Student Activism and Early Career (1968–1982)

From 1968 to 1971, Anwar was the president of the National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students. He also led the University of Malaya Malay Language Society. In 1971, he helped start the Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), a Muslim youth group. He also became the second President of the Malaysian Youth Council.

In 1974, Anwar was arrested during student protests about poverty. He was held for 20 months. After his release, he worked as a representative for the Asia Pacific region of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) until 1982. He also helped create the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) in the USA. From 1988 to 1998, he was a leader at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

Joining Politics and Becoming a Minister (1982–1993)

In 1982, Anwar joined the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) party, led by Mahathir Mohamad. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh.

Anwar quickly moved up in government. In 1982, he became the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. He then became the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in 1983. After that, he led the Agriculture Ministry in 1984. In 1986, he became the Minister of Education.

As Education Minister, Anwar made changes to the national school curriculum. He also became the 25th President of UNESCO's General Conference. In 1988, he became the second President of IIUM.

In 1991, Anwar was appointed Minister of Finance. During this time, Malaysia's economy grew very well. He was even named "Finance Minister of the Year" by Asiamoney in 1996. He helped guide Malaysia through the 1997 Asian financial crisis. He supported free markets and wanted more accountability in government.

Deputy Prime Minister (1993–1998)

In 1993, Anwar became Mahathir Mohamad's Deputy Prime Minister. Many people thought he would be the next Prime Minister.

Handling the Financial Crisis

During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Anwar, as Finance Minister, supported plans to help the economy. He cut government spending and delayed big projects. He believed in a free-market approach, encouraging foreign investment.

The Reformasi Movement and New Parties (1998–1999)

After leaving his government roles, Anwar and his supporters started the Reformasi movement. This movement involved many public gatherings to ask for changes in the government.

The Reformasi movement led to the creation of a new multi-ethnic party called Parti Keadilan Nasional (National Justice Party). In 1999, this new party, along with the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) and Democratic Action Party (DAP), formed a group called Barisan Alternatif (Alternative Front). In 2003, the National Justice Party merged with another party to form the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (People's Justice Party or PKR), led by Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah.

In the 2008 general election, PKR won many seats and became the largest opposition party. In April 2008, PKR, PAS, and DAP formed a new alliance called Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

Years Away from Parliament (1999–2007)

After facing challenges, Anwar taught at universities like St Antony's College, Oxford and Georgetown University. He also worked with non-profit organizations.

Returning to Politics

In November 2006, Anwar announced he planned to run for Parliament again in 2008. He spoke out against some government policies. Before he could run, he advised the Parti Keadilan Rakyat party. He helped organize a large rally in November 2007, called the 2007 Bersih Rally, to ask for fair elections.

The 2008 general election happened before Anwar's ban from politics ended. His wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, said she would step down from her seat if she won, so Anwar could run in a special election.

On 14 April 2008, Anwar officially returned to politics. The opposition parties did very well in the election, winning many seats and states. On 29 April 2008, he returned to Parliament as a guest of his wife, who was the first female opposition leader.

Permatang Pauh By-election

Anwar Ibrahim won the 2008 Permatang Pauh by-election on 26 August 2008. He won with a large number of votes.

On 28 August 2008, Anwar took his oath as a Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh. He was formally declared the leader of the three-party opposition alliance.

First Term as Leader of the Opposition (2008–2015)

Anwar Ibrahim speaks at an election campaign in 2009 as opposition leader.

Anwar returned to Parliament as Leader of the Opposition. He spoke about the need for a fair justice system and free media to fight corruption.

2013 General Election

Anwar during GE13

In the 2013 general election, Anwar Ibrahim led his Pakatan Rakyat group. They promised to help people with their finances. Anwar said he would go back to teaching if he lost the election.

Anwar speaking at a rally denouncing the May 2013 election results.

Pakatan Rakyat did not win the election, even though they received more than half of the total votes. This was because of how the voting areas were set up. Anwar did not accept the results, saying there was widespread unfairness in the election. He led protests across the country.

Return to Parliament (2018–2020)

After the Pakatan Rakyat group broke up, a new opposition group called Pakatan Harapan was formed. Anwar was still seen as its leader, even while he was facing challenges. This group won the 2018 general election. Anwar received a full royal pardon and was released from challenges on 16 May 2018. He was expected to become Prime Minister after Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar said he was happy to travel and give speeches first.

Returning to Parliament

Anwar won a special election in Port Dickson and returned to Parliament. The seat was left open by another Member of Parliament from Anwar's party.

Changes in Government and Return to Opposition

In early 2020, the Pakatan Harapan government faced changes when some members left the group. Mahathir Mohamad resigned as Prime Minister. Anwar tried to gain support to become Prime Minister. However, Muhyiddin Yassin was appointed Prime Minister instead. This meant Pakatan Harapan returned to being the opposition, and Anwar became the Leader of the Opposition again.

Second Term as Leader of the Opposition (2020–2022)

Anwar's party, KEADILAN, did not support Mahathir's attempt to become Prime Minister again. Mahathir also did not support Anwar.

Working with Other Parties

In September 2020, Anwar tried to form a new government, saying he had enough support from Members of Parliament. However, this attempt did not succeed. Anwar later said he had to step back because he would not agree to stop court cases against some leaders.

2022 General Election

Before the 2022 general election, Anwar Ibrahim was officially announced as the candidate for Prime Minister for the Pakatan Harapan group. He said he would run for the Tambun parliamentary seat and that if he became Prime Minister, he would have a smaller government and reduce ministers' salaries.

In the 2022 Malaysian general election on 19 November 2022, Anwar's Pakatan Harapan group won the most seats, but not enough for a full majority. Anwar said his group was talking with other parties to form a government. On 24 November 2022, Anwar was sworn in as Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister. He promised to hold a vote to show he had the support of Parliament.

On 25 November, Anwar's government gained more support, giving him a strong majority in Parliament. Anwar also said he would not take any salary as Prime Minister or Finance Minister.

Prime Minister (2022–present)

Cabinet Appointments

Anwar announced his government team on 2 December 2022. He appointed himself as the Minister of Finance. He also appointed Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof as Deputy Prime Ministers. This was the first time Malaysia had two Deputy Prime Ministers at once. In December 2023, Anwar made some changes to his government team, adding new ministers.

Domestic Affairs

Anwar has supported changing how Islamic studies are taught in schools to focus on "universal human values." He also wants to teach the history of Islamic civilization. He has defended decisions to support Islamic religious institutions and introduce a module on Islamic teachings in schools, clarifying it's not for non-Muslim students.

Anwar's government has faced some criticism from supporters. For example, when Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had some charges against him dropped, some people accused Anwar of putting politics before principles.

In 2023, the government banned Swatch watches with LGBTQ+ themes. Anwar has stated that while harassment of the LGBTQ community would not be allowed, Malaysia would not officially recognize LGBTQ rights due to public opinion.

Anwar has said he would be open to including the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party in his government if they agreed to ensure all citizens, regardless of religion, have a place in the country. In October 2023, Anwar asked government groups to use only the national language in official letters to promote its use.

On 8 December 2023, Anwar's "unity government" celebrated its first year in power. This event aimed to show the government's achievements and its ability to keep the country stable.

In February 2024, Anwar announced money to help start and grow businesses for a specific group of people called bumiputera. He will also lead a group to make sure these plans are carried out.

In April 2024, Anwar denied reports about a new casino in Forest City, Johor. Some people were arrested for making posts about these reports.

International Affairs

Anwar Ibrahim at the ASEAN–Australia Special Summit in Melbourne

On 28 January 2023, Anwar announced that Malaysia would print one million copies of the Quran to be given out worldwide. This was in response to events where the Quran was burned in Sweden.

Malaysia has also been working with the European Union regarding new rules about the environment and deforestation. Palm oil is a big export for Malaysia, and it has been linked to Deforestation in Malaysia.

In October 2023, Anwar spoke out against Israel in the Israel–Hamas war and asked for a ceasefire. He said Palestinians should be "treated as human beings." His government's education ministry held a Palestine Solidarity Week. Anwar has refused to call Hamas a terrorist group and said his government would continue relations with them.

On 20 December 2023, Anwar announced that ships with the Israeli flag were banned from docking in Malaysia. Ships going to Israel are also not allowed to load cargo at Malaysian ports.

Anwar Ibrahim with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum in Primorsky Krai, Russia, 4 September 2024

In March 2024, Anwar said Malaysia only works with Hamas' political group and does not support killing civilians. He also called for the release of hostages.

On 14 May 2024, Anwar met with top Hamas leaders in Qatar.

On 18 June 2024, Anwar said Malaysia wants to join the BRICS group of growing economies. He said this would not affect local politics. On October 24, 2024, Malaysia became a BRICS partner country.

In November 2024, Anwar visited Egypt to strengthen ties between the two countries. He focused on education and culture, getting more scholarships for Malaysian students. He and the Egyptian President also spoke out against attacks in Gaza and Lebanon.

Malaysia-Sulu Case

The Malaysia-Sulu Case is a big issue for Anwar's government. This case involves claims made by people who say they are descendants of the Sultan of Sulu.

Anwar has strongly criticized these claims and a decision made by a Spanish lawyer, Gonzalo Stampa. Stampa had said Malaysia should pay US$14.9 billion to the Sulu claimants. However, Malaysia won important legal battles in Spain and the Netherlands in 2023, which rejected the claimants' attempts to enforce this payment.

Anwar called these victories a "landmark victory." He said Malaysia would not accept any claims on Sabah, as it is Malaysia's territory. He also said Malaysia would do everything to protect its independence and national security.

In May 2024, a court in Madrid confirmed that Stampa was guilty of contempt of court. This was seen as another victory for Malaysia.

In November 2024, the Philippines passed new laws about its sea territories, which included Sabah. Malaysia strongly protested these laws, saying they affected Malaysia's borders.

Anwar's Political Views

Anwar believes in Islamic democracy and hopes Malaysia can be a model for other Muslim countries. He is seen as a "liberal reformer" and an "intellectual." He supports judicial independence, good governance, and rejecting strong rulers. He also admires Philippine revolutionary José Rizal.

Early in his career, Anwar supported policies to help Malays. But later, he said that "Malay supremacy" was a problem. After facing challenges, he called for policies to help people based on their needs, not their race. He believes government support should go to those living in poverty, regardless of their background.

In 2018, The Guardian newspaper called him a "uniting figure" for the opposition during his time facing challenges.

Israel and Palestine

In March 2010, Anwar said that people should not condemn all Jewish people, but only the idea of Zionism and the unfair actions against Palestinians. He believes there are good and bad people in all groups.

In a 2012 interview, Anwar said that the policy towards Israel and Palestine should protect Israel's safety while also protecting the rights of Palestinians. He later said this was in line with the two-state solution supported by the United Nations and Malaysia.

Anwar has also criticized the United States for being biased in the Israel-Palestine conflict. He has called for Malaysia to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

Personal Life

Anwar is an ethnic Malay and a Muslim. He married Wan Azizah Wan Ismail on 26 February 1980. They have five daughters and one son. His eldest daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, is also a politician.

During his time facing challenges, Anwar spent time alone and experienced difficulties. He once appeared in court with a black eye. Anwar enjoys the works of William Shakespeare and said he read Shakespeare's complete works many times during his time in prison. He even presented a paper at the World Shakespeare Congress in 2006. He also said he survived by singing and reading.

Election Results

Awards and Recognitions

Honours of Malaysia

•  Malaysia :
  • Recipient of the 10th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal (1994)
  • Recipient of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal (2019)
  • Recipient of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Installation Medal (2024)
•  Kedah :
  • Knight Grand Companion of the Order of Loyalty to Sultan Sallehuddin of Kedah (SSSK) – Dato' Seri Diraja (2024)
  • Recipient of the Sultan Sallehuddin Installation Medal (2018)
•  Kelantan :
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Kelantan (SPMK) – Dato' (2024)
•  Malacca :
  • Grand Commander of the Exalted Order of Malacca (DGSM) – Datuk Seri (1991)
•  Negeri Sembilan :
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan (SPNS) – Dato' Seri Utama (1994)
•  Pahang :
  • Grand Knight of the Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (SSAP) – Dato' Sri (1990)
•  Penang :
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of State (DUPN) – Dato' Seri Utama (1994)
  • Companion of the Order of the Defender of State (DMPN) – Dato' (1991)
•  Perak :
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of Cura Si Manja Kini (SPCM) – Dato' Seri (1995)
•  Perlis :
  • Knight Grand Companion of the Order of the Gallant Prince Syed Putra Jamalullail (SSPJ) – Dato' Seri Diraja (1995)
•  Sabah :
  • Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu (SPDK) – Datuk Seri Panglima (1994)
•  Selangor :
  • Knight Grand Companion of the Order of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (SSSA) – Dato' Seri (1992, revoked on 3 November 2014)

Foreign Honours

•  Pakistan :
  • Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Pakistan (NPk) (2024)
•  Peru :
  • Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun of Peru (2024)
•  Philippines :
  • Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (KGCR) (1997)

Honorary Degrees

•  China :
  • Honorary Ph.D. degree from Tsinghua University (2024)
•  Indonesia :
  • Honorary Ph.D. degree in Political Education from State University of Padang (2018)
•  Pakistan :
  • Honorary Ph.D. degree in Philosophy from National University of Sciences & Technology (2024)
•  Philippines :
  • Honorary Ph.D. degree in law from University of the Philippines Diliman (2023)

Others

•  China :
  • Honorary Professorship from Tsinghua University (2024)

Writings

Books

• Menangani Perubahan [Managing Changes], 1989.
• Gelombang Kebangkitan Asia [The Asian Renaissance], 1996.
• Keadilan Bagi Orang yang Bersolat [Justice For People Who Pray], 2022.

Prefaces

• Malek Bennabi, Islam in History and Society, 1991.
• Ziauddin Sardar, The Future of Muslim Civilization, 2006.

Images for kids

• 

  US Secretary of Defense William Cohen (right) meets with Anwar Ibrahim (left) at the Pentagon in 1998.

See Also

In Spanish: Anwar Ibrahim para niños

• Reformasi (Malaysia)
• Caucus on Reform and Governance
• Members of the Malaysian Parliament who represented multiple states