Anwar says Erap like family

MANILA, Philippines – Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim considers pardoned former President Joseph Estrada not only as a friend but a member of his family.

In an interview with reporters after the dinner hosted by Estrada for him and former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, Anwar said he salutes Estrada for his good heart.

“I have told President Erap a number of times how excited and happy I am (to see him). This is important to me because he is more than a friend to me; he is family. It is his passion for the poor that amazes me the most. I really see his sincerity in trying to uplift the plight of the masses,” said Anwar.

“He has a good heart. His passion for the poor and justice is strong. These are the things that we discussed when we met three years ago,” he said.

Estrada said he is honored by Anwar’s praise and talked about things they have in common.

“The only difference is that he is more brilliant and more learned. He is a professor. We met when he was still the Deputy Prime Minister (of Malaysia) and I was still the vice president,” he said.

Anwar said he was particularly touched when Estrada visited his wife, Datin Seri Wan Azizah and his daughter, Noisa, now both members of Malaysia’s parliament, while he was still incarcerated for corruption.

 “Well, that speaks volumes of the man. I mean, he values friendship,” Anwar said, adding that Estrada’s gesture gave him strength while he was in prison.

Anwar said that he also wanted to visit Estrada in Tanay, Rizal when the latter was still under detention for plunder, but was not allowed by the government.