Anwar Ibrahim

Grief is a transforming moment, and to share someone else’s sorrow is a fundamental human virtue. It is the beginning of a profound connection and a lasting friendship. I learnt this myself. The period between September 1998 and 2004 were the most difficult. There were moments that were so dark that I wasn’t sure that I would ever see daylight again. But somehow, in those moments of personal anguish, I gained new friends. Among them are citizens around the world that have showed kindness and concern for me and members of my family.

Close to my heart are friends and supporters inside Malaysia who during the years of my incarceration bore the brunt of sustained pressure and persecution for speaking their conscience and ideals. I wish to thank them for their unwavering support and sacrifice, as well as for their consistent criticism against the sham trials that I had to undergo and the injustice inflicted on me and my colleagues in Malaysia. To all my friends and supporters, I wish to share the deepest realisation gained from my experiences is that nothing could compensate for freedom; it is not merely an idea or philosophy but a right so critical that defines our humanity. In the recent months I have realised that it is a right that is still in very short supply in many parts of the world.

Fundamental for the cause of freedom is the readiness to confront the weaknesses in our societies in working together to find solutions. We cannot afford to gloss over these burning issues; such as the lack of freedoms, the abuse of human rights and democratic practices and poor governance. Most importantly, we have to accept the inevitability of a democratic and pluralistic world. We have to navigate our way towards freedom and justice which after all are integral components of the universal human values.

What path it should take is secondary, but the commitment is indispensable.

Anwar Ibrahim