Anwar Ibrahim

PhD

Research Expertise

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1993-1998. He also served as Minister of Finance for Malaysia from 1991-1998.

Highly respected for his principled stance against corruption and his skillful management of the Malaysian economy during the turbulent period of its financial crisis, Anwar is also viewed as one of the forefathers of the Asian Renaissance and a leading proponent of greater cooperation among civilizations.

He is an ardent supporter of democracy and is an authoritative voice bridging the gap between East and West.

In the midst of Asian Financial Crises of 1997, Anwar was hailed for guiding Malaysia through this period of instability. He backed free market principles and called for ���creative destruction���, highlighting the need to reconsider the proximity of business and politics in Malaysia. He advocated for greater accountability and refused to offer government bail-outs to companies facing bankruptcy. He also instituted widespread spending cuts and cut government expenditure on mega projects.

These prescriptions saved the Malaysian economy and earned Anwar many accolades, including the title ���Asian of the Year��� by Newsweek International in 1998.

Since 2004 he has held lecturing positions at St. Anthony���s College at Oxford, the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University and at the School of Foreign Service in Georgetown University.

Anwar was recently appointed as Honorary President of the London-based group AccountAbility as well as Chairman of the Beirut-based Foundation for the Future. Anwar is also currently advisor to the People���s Justice Party (Keadilan), Malaysia.

He is an internationally renowned speaker on the subjects of democracy, freedom, governance, Islam and democracy and the need for accountability.

He resides in Malaysia with his wife and six children.