Anwar returns after 10 years as MP, leader of Opposition

After an absence of 10 years, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim returned to Parliament as an MP, assumed leadership of the opposition and repeated his claim that he will form the government by Sept 16.

However, he refused to back up his claim with names of Barisan Nasional MPs who would cross over to Pakatan Rakyat.

“You will be informed at the right time,” he said during a packed press conference in the lobby some half hour after he was sworn-in as a member.
“I’m glad to be back after a decade,” he said when asked how he felt about being back in the Dewan.

Asked if he would be taking part in the much criticised Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Identification Bill 2008 debate, which the opposition said was aimed at him, Anwar said he would see what opportunities were there for him to speak.

Anwar made his first comments in the House by interjecting Dr Maria Mahmood (PAS-Kota Raja) who was holding the floor.



“The government decision to push the bill quickly only shows how power crazy it is and disrespectful it is to the speaker and the House. It has not given members enough time to scrutinise the bill and exercise their responsibilities,” Anwar said.

Earlier Anwar, who was wearing a black Baju Melayu, was sworn in as the Pematang Pauh MP in the Chambers at 10am.

The seven-minute oath-taking ceremony, which took place immediately after morning prayers, and before Question Time, was witnessed by speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Anwar's family, ministers Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and other MPs from both sides of the divide.

"Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. I, Anwar Ibrahim, as an MP, do hereby swear with all honesty that I will fulfil my duties honestly and will defend and protect the Constitution," he said to thumps of support from the Opposition block.

After the ceremony, he went back to his allocated seat, located at front row of Block H, which directly faces the seat of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Pandikar Amin also announced Anwar's appointment as the Opposition leader.

"I am satisfied that the Opposition block unnanimously agreed to this and starting today, he is the Opposition leader," he said.

In congratulating Anwar, Pandikar Amin expressed hopes that the PKR leader would render his services effectively.

There was no live telecast for the swearing-in ceremony.