File picture shows Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad meeting Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the first time after 18 years in Kuala Lumpur, September 5, 2016. — Picture courtesy of Lawyers for Liberty

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad must publicly apologise to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and admit his past transgressions against the opposition leader, Nurul Nuha Anwar has said.

Nurul Nuha said that Dr Mahathir must own up to the “trumped-up” sodomy and corruption charges against Anwar back in 1998 before even thinking about forming any alliance with the jailed PKR de facto leader.

“As a daughter who has witnessed the countless torments my father went through the past 18 years, my personal wish would be for Dr M to publicly apologise and admit the trumped up charges.

“I think that would alleviate some of the hardships we went through as a family. It’s not supposed to get easier, but you just need to get stronger,” Nurul Nuha told Malay Mail Online when contacted.

Dr Mahathir showed up in court on September 5 for a case involving Anwar, who was filing an interim injunction at the High Court, to stop the National Security Council (NSC) Act 2016 from being enforced.

Both leaders have remained tight-lipped on whether or not the move was a form of reconciliation.

Dr Mahathir fired Anwar as deputy prime minister on September 2, 1998, and he was later imprisoned and charged with sodomy and corruption.

“I echo my father’s sentiment, forgive but we don’t forget,” Nuha said, adding that the family however will respect any decision Anwar makes as to his relationship with Dr Mahathir now.

“As I said, for me, Dr Mahathir coming to court is a clear gesture admitting his guilt in the conspiracy and it’s a good start.

“However, we will stand behind our father with the decision he makes,” Nuha added.

After his father visited Anwar in court, Datuk Seri Mukhriz yesterday said that Anwar’s endorsement will grease the gears for collaboration between PKR and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).

Mukhriz is Parti Pribumi’s vice-president.

The New Straits Times (NST) quoted the former Kedah mentri besar saying that the Umno offshoot has been in talks with various opposition parties for a tie-up to cripple the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition in the next general elections due in two years.