Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has thrown his support behind PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister, if he can obtain a pardon from the King.

Mahathir, who thwarted Anwar's meteoric rise in politics by sacking him as deputy prime minister in 1998, said this in an interview with The Guardian during a recent visit to London.

“In the case of Anwar, we can make a case that he was unfairly treated. The decision of the court was obviously influenced by the government and I think the incoming government would be able to persuade the King to give a full pardon for Anwar,” Mahathir reportedly said.

“In which case, he would be able to participate in politics and become PM. I can have no objection to that.”...