As Malaysia's esteemed leader, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim celebrates his 76th birthday, we delve beyond the political persona to uncover the lesser-known aspects of his life that have shaped him into the figure he is today. From his Leo birth sign to his academic endeavours, global recognition, and personal interests, these eight intriguing facts shed light on the multifaceted journey of Anwar Ibrahim, offering a glimpse into the man behind the political legacy.
#1 - He's A Leo Baby From Penang
Anwar Ibrahim, born on August 10, 1947, in Cherok Tok Kun, Bukit Mertajam, is a proud Leo. He shares his life with his wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, to whom he has been married since 1980.
#2 - He Studied In One Of The Most Distinguished Schools
After graduating from SK Cherok Tok Kun and SK Stowell, Anwar Ibrahim entered one of the most esteemed secondary schools at the time, Maktab Melayu Kuala Kangsar (MCKK), before furthering his studies at University of Malaya.
#3 - Asia's Finance Minister Of The Year
As Minister of Finance in 1991, Anwar Ibrahim made substantial contributions to Malaysia's economic growth and prosperity. His impactful leadership led to him being named one of the top-four finance ministers by Euromoney and receiving the Finance Minister of the Year award from Asia Money in 1996.
#4 - He Taught In Oxford
During his time of waiting, Anwar was not idle. He shared his expertise as a lecturer at prestigious institutions across the globe. Notably, he held teaching positions at St Antony's College, University of Oxford, UK, and Johns Hopkins University in Washington, US. Anwar's intellectual pursuits also extended to Georgetown University, where he taught Islam in Southeast Asia.
#5 - He's A Shakespeare Aficionado
Anwar's intellectual curiosity extends to the works of William Shakespeare. During his imprisonment, he read Shakespeare's complete works four and a half times. His affinity for the literary genius was exemplified when he presented a paper at the World Shakespeare Congress in 2006.
#6 - TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential Individuals
In 2008, TIME Magazine acknowledged Anwar Ibrahim's influence by naming him among the 100 most influential individuals in the world, showcasing his impact beyond Malaysian borders.
#7 - He Was Elected As The President of the UNESCO General Conference
While serving as the Minister of Education, Anwar Ibrahim attained the position of the 25th President of UNESCO's General Conference from year 1989 to 1991.
#8 - He's A "Spokesperson" For Stationery
Well, not on purpose~ During his significant swearing-in ceremony on November 24, 2022, Anwar Ibrahim chose the Artline 210 Medium 0.6 pen in black for signing the documents. This affordable yet powerful pen, priced around RM3, symbolizes his practical approach and has garnered attention from the entire nation. The pen was said to be sold out from most of the places!
