Putin quips Anwar 'true Muslim' after PM cracks second wife joke

Summary

• Russian president shares playful moment with Anwar Ibrahim after PM joked about a third throne in the Kremlin Palace being for a second wife, prompting Vladimir Putin to jest that Anwar is a ‘true Muslim’.

• Putin relays the anecdote, which occurred during Anwar's diplomatic visit to Moscow, at a press conference, drawing laughter from officials and journalists.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly called Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim “a true Muslim”, in response to the latter’s joke during a private tour of the Kremlin Palace.

Putin drew laughter from senior Russian and Malaysian officials, as well as journalists, when he shared the anecdote at a press conference that concluded Anwar’s diplomatic visit to Moscow, reported The News Straits Times.

Putin shared he had shown Anwar the grand St Andrew's Hall, and pointed out three thrones meant for the tsar, the tsarina and a third unlabelled seat.

Putin said he asked Anwar who the third was for, and Anwar reportedly replied, "for the second wife."

Putin said he responded jokingly, "That is the answer of a true Muslim, a representative of Islamic culture."

He said Anwar then clarified with a smile, "I only have one wife, Mr President. But I felt it was a trick, a test.”

“I said the right throne was for the wife, the left for the second wife. But later I realised it was actually for the mother,” said Putin, quoting Anwar.

The Russian president shared he was amused by Anwar’s response and told the prime minister, "Yes, the third throne was for his mother. Exchange of information is always useful."

From Moscow, Anwar is also scheduled to attend the “Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum” in Kazan.

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