Anwar Ibrahim Lauds Erdogan’s Unwavering Support in Historic Malaysia Visit

In a deeply personal and emotionally charged address, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed profound gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his steadfast support during some of Anwar’s darkest moments. Speaking at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on Monday, 10 February 2025, Anwar reflected on a friendship forged not out of political convenience but through genuine solidarity—a bond that, he said, the people of Malaysia would never forget.

The occasion marked Erdogan’s visit to Malaysia, part of a broader three-nation Asia tour that also includes stops in Indonesia and Pakistan. Beyond the formalities of diplomacy, Anwar’s words offered a rare glimpse into the personal ties that underpin the strengthening relationship between Malaysia and Turkiye, two nations united by shared values and mutual respect. As Anwar recounted Erdogan’s support during his years of adversity, the hall erupted in thunderous applause, a testament to the resonance of his message.

A Friendship Forged in Adversity

Anwar’s remarks were not merely diplomatic niceties but a heartfelt tribute to a friend who stood by him when many others turned away. “It would be remiss if I did not speak of my own friendship with Erdogan and Emina, a friendship built not on convenience, but on steadfast solidarity,” Anwar said during his welcome address. He recalled how, during a prolonged period of personal and political hardship, Erdogan and his wife, Emina, extended a hand to him and his family, including his wife, Wan Azizah.

“During times of personal and long periods of adversity, brother Erdogan and sister Emina extended a hand to me, Wan Azizah, and my family when many turned away,” Anwar added. He emphasised that this support was not a casual gesture or one driven by political expedience but an “expression of genuine fraternity.” The sincerity of his words was palpable, as was the emotion in his voice, which shifted noticeably as he reminisced about past interactions with the Turkish leader.

Anwar’s reference to adversity harks back to a tumultuous chapter in his political career. In 2008, following accusations of sodomy—charges he has consistently described as politically motivated to derail his career—Anwar sought refuge at the Turkish embassy in Kuala Lumpur due to safety concerns. Later, in 2015, he was jailed for five years on similar charges, only to be granted a full royal pardon in 2018 after a historic change in Malaysia’s political landscape. Throughout these challenges, Erdogan’s support remained unwavering, a fact Anwar underscored with gratitude.

“Wan Azizah and I have never forgotten it, and we the people of Malaysia never will,” he declared, encapsulating the depth of appreciation felt not just by him and his family but by a nation that has watched his journey from opposition leader to prime minister.

A Symbol of Stronger Bilateral Ties

Beyond the personal narrative, Erdogan’s visit to Malaysia signifies a broader commitment to deepening ties between the two nations. Anwar described the visit as a reaffirmation of a “strong, enduring, and forward-looking partnership,” highlighting the potential for collaboration in areas such as trade, education, and cultural exchange. While specific agreements or outcomes from the visit were not detailed during the public address, the symbolic weight of Erdogan’s presence in Kuala Lumpur was unmistakable.

Malaysia and Turkiye share a history of warm relations, rooted in their mutual identification as Muslim-majority nations with aspirations for economic development and global influence. Both countries have navigated complex political landscapes, often balancing democratic ideals with internal challenges. Anwar’s rise to power in 2022, after years of political struggle, mirrors in some ways Erdogan’s own journey, providing a common ground for empathy and cooperation.

Erdogan’s public lecture at the PICC, following Anwar’s address, offered an opportunity for the Turkish president to engage directly with Malaysian audiences, including policymakers, academics, and civil society leaders. While the content of his speech focused on global issues and Turkiye’s role in international affairs, the underlying message of solidarity with Malaysia was clear. The visit, though brief, is expected to pave the way for future high-level exchanges and potentially new economic or strategic partnerships.

Historical Context of Anwar’s Struggles

To fully appreciate the significance of Anwar’s gratitude towards Erdogan, it is essential to understand the context of his political trials. Anwar Ibrahim, once seen as the heir apparent to former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, fell out of favour in the late 1990s amid allegations of corruption and sodomy—charges widely perceived as orchestrated to sideline him during a period of political upheaval. After his first conviction in 1999, Anwar spent years in and out of prison, becoming a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism in Malaysia.

The 2008 episode, during which he sought refuge at the Turkish embassy, was particularly harrowing. Fearing for his safety after fresh accusations surfaced, Anwar turned to Turkiye’s diplomatic mission for protection, a decision that underscored the trust he placed in Erdogan’s government at the time. His subsequent imprisonment in 2015 further tested his resolve, but international outcry, including support from leaders like Erdogan, kept his cause in the global spotlight.

The royal pardon in 2018, granted shortly after the Pakatan Harapan coalition’s historic election victory, marked a turning point. Anwar’s eventual ascent to the premiership in 2022, following another coalition agreement, cemented his status as a political survivor. Throughout this journey, Erdogan’s personal and political support provided a source of strength, a fact Anwar was keen to acknowledge publicly during the recent visit.

Regional and Global Implications

Erdogan’s Asia tour, of which Malaysia is a key stop, reflects Turkiye’s growing interest in strengthening ties with Southeast Asia and South Asia. Following his visit to Kuala Lumpur, Erdogan is scheduled to meet Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Pakistani leaders, indicating a strategic focus on nations with significant Muslim populations and emerging economies. For Malaysia, hosting Erdogan offers an opportunity to elevate its profile as a regional hub for diplomacy and economic cooperation.

The personal rapport between Anwar and Erdogan also carries potential geopolitical weight. Both leaders have positioned themselves as voices for the Global South, often critiquing Western dominance in international institutions and advocating for greater representation of developing nations. Their shared experiences of political adversity could translate into a unified stance on issues such as economic inequality, climate change, and conflict resolution.

However, challenges remain in translating personal goodwill into tangible outcomes. Malaysia and Turkiye must navigate differences in their foreign policy priorities—Anwar’s government is focused on domestic stability and economic recovery, while Erdogan’s administration often grapples with regional conflicts and internal political dynamics. If harnessed effectively, though, the bond between the two leaders could serve as a catalyst for deeper collaboration within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other multilateral forums.

A Moment of Reflection for Malaysia

For many Malaysians, Anwar’s public acknowledgment of Erdogan’s support was more than a diplomatic gesture; it was a moment of national reflection. Anwar’s journey from political prisoner to prime minister has been a source of inspiration for those who believe in resilience and reform. His willingness to express gratitude so openly also humanises a leader often seen through the lens of policy and politics.

As one attendee at the PICC event remarked, “Hearing Anwar speak about his struggles and the people who stood by him reminds us of how far we’ve come as a country. It’s not just about him—it’s about all of us who fought for change.” This sentiment captures the broader significance of the occasion, linking personal history with national identity.

Erdogan’s visit, while brief, left an indelible mark on Malaysia’s political landscape. It reinforced the idea that international alliances are not merely transactional but can be grounded in shared values and mutual support. For Anwar, the opportunity to host a friend who stood by him in trying times was a chance to repay a debt of gratitude, even as he looks to the future of Malaysia-Turkiye relations.

As Erdogan continues his Asia tour, the focus will shift to his engagements in Indonesia and Pakistan, each with its own set of bilateral priorities. For Malaysia, the visit serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating diverse international partnerships, especially with nations outside the traditional spheres of Western influence. Anwar’s government, still navigating the complexities of coalition politics and economic reform, will likely seek to build on the momentum of this visit to explore new avenues for cooperation with Turkiye.

In the meantime, Anwar’s words at the PICC resonate as a powerful testament to the enduring value of friendship in politics. “We the people of Malaysia never will [forget],” he said, speaking not just for himself but for a nation grateful for allies in times of need. As Malaysia charts its path forward, the memory of Erdogan’s support—and the solidarity it represents—will remain a touchstone for its leaders and citizens alike.