Eighteen years have passed since Dr Mahathir Mohamad sacked Anwar Ibrahim as deputy prime minister, which served as the catalyst for significant alterations to the Malaysian political landscape.

During this period, there were bitter exchanges, insults and allegations, with Anwar and his family subjected to immense suffering while Mahathir’s reputation received a bruising on an international scale.

Therefore, the nation was stunned when Mahathir and Anwar met earlier this month, greeted each other with smiles and shook hands.

While it is clear that the two are willing to work together against a common foe - Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak - Anwar however remained vague on whether he has forgiven Mahathir.

Pressed repeatedly on this outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court this afternoon, the former opposition leader declined to provide a clear answer.

Below is the transcript of the questions and answers.

Datuk Seri, the (joint) press statement (with Mahathir) distributed, did you sign it?

Yes. Yes. Yes, related to MKN (National Security Council Act).

I think it is because, number one, he has taken the initiative to come and show support, which I think it is good enough. Of course some people, even a member of my family expects more, but I think given the stature of Tun Mahathir and the experience we... together…

Do you still want him to apologise, since your daughter (Nurul Nuha) made that statement (asking for an apology)?

I have explained. The problem was that this came in a sudden; I had no opportunity to speak to my children before that, but now since I have explained to them the circumstances, it is enough.

I mean, of course we have suffered immensely…

So you have forgiven him?

[…] very appreciative of the fact that (that he turned up in court). I of course thanked him and he pays his support for not only MKN but also Reformasi. That is important.

Can we take it that you have forgiven him?

I have forgiven a lot of people a lot of times, but my concern is the present, because people in the present should stop this harassment and injustice.