Anwar moved by 1982 photograph showing late supporter celebrating his first election victory

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shared that the photograph was presented by Zahra Mohamad Zelman, who approached him accompanied by her friends from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultanah Asma at the Parliament building yesterday. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 04 Nov 2026 9:10 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was deeply moved upon receiving an old photograph from a student from Alor Setar, Kedah, which captured him celebrating his first electoral victory for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat in 1982.

In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister shared that the photograph was presented by Zahra Mohamad Zelman, who approached him accompanied by her friends from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultanah Asma at the Parliament building yesterday.

Anwar noted that the image captured a moment when he was being celebrated by Zahra’s great-grandfather, the late Arshad Ahmad, following his win in the Permatang Pauh constituency.

“A single photograph, yet it holds so much memory and stories. It evokes the time which has long since passed, but the remembrance of the individuals who were once present who became part of this long journey of struggle remains etched deep within my heart,” he wrote in the post.

During the encounter, Anwar encouraged Zahra and her friends to continue their pursuit of knowledge, to have the courage to harbour and pursue their aspirations, and to never cease in their efforts. He also offered prayers that their life journeys would always be made smooth. — Bernama