Anwar Ibrahim

This chapter examines the strategic populist strategies employed by Anwar Ibrahim, which involved a combination of economic populism aimed at reducing inequality and anti-elite populist rhetoric focused on combating corruption. Anwar is regarded as an inclusionary populist in terms of economics, politics, and social matters as he seeks to bring Malaysia’s diverse society together. Moreover, this chapter analyses Anwar’s perspective on the affluent elites and minority groups to better understand his populist strategy. Anwar’s reform agenda exemplifies his populist approach to combating the corrupt ruling class as part of his multi-decade journey. As an activist, Anwar presents himself as advocating for the masses, despite his comparatively privileged upbringing. The chapter concludes that Anwar’s use of populist rhetoric was replaced by pragmatism once he became Prime Minister, as he was aware of the limitations of populist pledges.