Anwar plans to treat his nine grandchildren to as many helpings of ice creams they want. — Picture by Zuraneeza Zulkifli

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — Barely 24 hours since his prison release and the granting of a full royal pardon, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has insisted that he will not be seeking to immediately replace Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister.

Anwar has stated that he plans to take up fellowship offers in international universities around the world, as well as spending more time with his family.

After all, three years behind bars seems like a lifetime for many people, and for Anwar, it has robbed him of the chance to be with his children, and to witness his grandchildren growing up.

His first promise to his family upon being released from prison? Treating his nine grandchildren to as many helpings of ice creams they want.

“The first I have to do now that I am free, the first thing I want to do is that I have got to honour my promise to my grandchildren.

“I told them I would buy them (all) ice cream, something which was not possible while I was in bars. But now, it certainly is,” the PKR de facto leader told Malay Mail in an exclusive interview.

Anwar said he would try his best to stay at home and spend more time catching up with his family, despite the fact that he already has programmes and events lined up

“I will spend more time here, but I will also travel to Permatang Pauh, and maybe attend one or two programmes there.”

For Anwar, the best thing was the look on his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s face when he was officially granted a full pardon.

“The look on her face, the reaction and how she beamed and smile, that is the best (feeling),” Anwar exclaimed.