Anwar Ibrahim is a prominent Malaysian politician and leader of the Pakatan Harapan coalition. Born on August 10, 1947, he has had a long and complex political career in Malaysia. Anwar first gained prominence in the 1970s as a student leader and activist. He joined the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) in 1982 and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in the 1990s under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Anwar's political journey has been marked by significant challenges. In 1998, he was dismissed from his positions and subsequently imprisoned on charges of corruption and sodomy, charges widely viewed as politically motivated. He spent several years in prison before his release in 2004. Following his release, Anwar became a key opposition figure, leading the charge against the Barisan Nasional coalition, which had ruled Malaysia for decades.

In the 2018 general elections, Anwar’s coalition, Pakatan Harapan, won a historic victory, leading to the resignation of longtime Prime Minister Najib Razak. Anwar was released from prison again and was positioned as a potential successor to Prime Minister Mahathir, although he faced political maneuvering within the coalition.

Anwar’s leadership style emphasizes reform, social justice, and economic equity, and he continues to be a significant figure in Malaysian politics, advocating for a more democratic and transparent governance.