PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received an unexpected reminder of his political beginnings when a student presented him with a photograph taken after his first victory in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat in 1982.
Anwar said he was touched when Zahra Mohamad Zelman, a student of SMK Sultanah Asma in Alor Setar, Kedah, approached him with several schoolmates during a parliamentary session and handed him the decades-old photograph.
In a Facebook post, he said the picture captured the moment he was celebrated by Zahra's late great-grandfather, Arshad Ahmad, following his maiden electoral victory.
“This is just a photograph, but it holds so many memories and stories. The time captured in it has long passed, but the memories of those who were there and became part of my long journey of struggle remain deeply etched in my heart,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of the photograph, Anwar said the passage of time had not erased his memories of those who had supported him throughout his political journey.
He also used the encounter to encourage Zahra and her schoolmates to pursue their education, broaden their knowledge and remain determined in achieving their ambitions.
“My message to Zahra and her friends is to continue studying and mastering knowledge, dare to dream and pursue your ambitions, and never stop striving.
“I pray that your journey will always be made easier and that your future will be filled with bright and promising hopes,” he said. - November 4, 2026
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