Dissent and democracy: an audience with Anwar Ibrahim

Abstract

Anwar Ibrahim is an internationally recognised champion of democracy. He has spent years championing free and fair electoral processes in Malaysia at great personal and political cost. Imprisoned and vilified, lauded around the world and lambasted in his own country, what sustains his ideals in an environment that appears devoid of political transparency? Where does he see the value in maintaining a viable opposition in Malaysia and how does this contribute to the development of democratic institutions?

In the wake of the controversial May elections Anwar will discuss why he’s stubbornly stayed in public life and to what end.