MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 5, 2008) – Former Filipino President Joseph Estrada is set to meet Friday with Malaysia’s ex-Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim when he visits Manila for a forum on Islamic politics.
Estrada and Ibrahim are long time friends and political allies. Ibrahim is to attend the forum in Makati City.
“The friendship between Anwar and Estrada is unique because their political careers run parallel lines,” Estrada’s spokesperson Margaux Salcedo said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
“Anwar is considered the 'voice of democracy in Malaysia' while Erap is considered the 'voice of democracy' in the Philippines,” she said.
“Erap” which means “buddy” is the name Estrada, a former movie action star, is more popularly known for.
Anwar was imprisoned in 1999 in a highly controversial trial for corruption. While Estrada was also convicted of plunder in 2001. Anwar was released in 2004 and Estrada had been pardoned by President Gloria Arroyo last year.
Both former leaders are still popular in their own country despite their convictions. (Mindanao Examiner)
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