The remark by Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the current incarceration of his former deputy Anwar Ibrahim was "influenced by the government", has actually backfired on the former premier, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said.

In a statement, Azalina said the allegation by the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairperson makes it seem like he has forgotten that Anwar was first removed from the government during Mahathir's administration in 1998.

"Anwar is in jail today due to his personal criminal actions under Section 377b of the Penal Code (carnal intercourse against the order of nature).

"Therefore, the question of his imprisonment being politically motivated does not arise. Anwar has gone through all the processes allowed by law to defend himself, including filing a petition to the Pardons Board," she said.

Mahathir was recently quoted by the UK's The Guardian, saying that he has no objection to Anwar becoming PM, should the latter get a pardon from the king...