He was serving a jail term after his conviction in sodomy of a former male political aide in 2008 following charges of corruption, but ironically he was released by the same man, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who had landed him behind bars.

A political rising star in the mid-1990s, he had fallen out with Mahathir later.

Anwar had always maintained that the accusations against him were politically motivated to end his career as a politician. Sodomy is illegal in Muslim-majority Malaysia.

Though the high court in 2012 had acquitted him, the country's apex court later upheld a five-year sentence.

Mahathir, 92, has also said that he will step down from his post within the next 24 months to make way for a younger Ibrahim, who is the leader of Pakatan Harapan coalition.

Earlier this month, Mahathir pulled off a shock victory in the general assembly polls by trouncing his protege and former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

By virtue of his win, he also wrote his name in record books, by becoming the oldest leader of a country.

Mahathir and Ibrahim's political connection dates back to decades.

During the Prime Minister's first stint, which continued for 22 years, Ibrahim took charge as his deputy, before being jailed, after he tried to propose an economic reform.

However, once Mahathir changed sides, the two reconciled, and the former won the election.

He was also allowed to lead Ibrahim's coalition on the condition that he pardons the former.

Image: twitter.com/NajwanHalimi