Malaysia’s Anwar to make political comeback in by-election

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Officials say Malaysia’s prime minister-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim will contest a by-election that will pave the way for his return to active politics.

Lawmaker Danyal Balagopal Abdullah said Wednesday he has resigned as a member of Parliament in Port Dickson, a southern coastal town, to make way for Anwar’s comeback. The Election Commission must set a date for by-election within two months.

The 70-year-old Anwar is the anointed successor to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who won a historic national vote in May.

Senior party official Saifuddin Nasution says there is no timeframe for Anwar to take over the top job. He says Anwar will focus on parliamentary reforms and will not hold any government position when he returns to Parliament. /ee