Anwar to be politically active sooner than you think

He'll be back to active politics sooner than expected.

Anwar was set to be released in June but he might get out even before then due to a pardon. Depending on how fast the pardon process is, he could very well be a free man by the end of this month.

That's not the significant thing. After all, what's a few weeks right? Even without a pardon he will be out very soon. What's important about a pardon is that he will be able to resume political activities. Without it, he is barred from politics for five years.

According to Dr M, the King has indicated that he is willing to grant an immediate pardon to Anwar. So, now they just have to do the paperwork and go through the process.

This will set up a very interesting dynamic. A ship can have only one captain. Will these two former rivals clash just as their new government is being formed?

I doubt it. Dr M and Anwar may be political animals but they are also practical and know what's at stake. They may have their differences but they are not going to throw away this golden opportunity to set Malaysia on the right course.

Apparently, the agreement is that Dr M will be PM for two years. So, even if Anwar is out and able to take part in politics, he will have to wait for his turn. Meanwhile, he will either play an advisory role or someone will have to vacate their seat and force a by-election so he can become an MP in order to qualify to become a Cabinet member. There is another route which is through Senator-ship. That may be the fastest route.

So, will Anwar be an advisor to Pakatan or will he take on a senior Cabinet role? And if it's the latter, what role would that be? I guess we'll know soon. Things are happening pretty fast.