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ShareAnwar Ibrahim, former deputy prime minister of Malayasia, who was in Mumbai to speak at the International Islamic Conference, is a huge fan of Hindi films. In an exclusive interview with DNA, he spells out his plans for the future, like becoming prime minister.
How do you perceive Muslims holding on to their identity?
One's identity as a Muslim depends on the place you live in. There are French Muslims, Indian Muslims, and American Muslims. You are then an Indian before a Muslim. I remember Jinnah saying that Indian Muslims must remain Indian first. I read Jaswant Singh's book on the man. (Laughing) My idea of Indian and Pakistani politics has gone haywire after reading the book and learning about ripples it has caused.
This is not your first time here. Any memories of previous visits?
I had come here years ago when the the late Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister. We had come as youth leaders for a conference. We stayed at the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra. The first night we were hosted by a Supreme Court judge. He took us for the premiere of the film, Bobby. That night the great Asha Parekh was called -- I am a huge fan of hers -- and she danced. It was a treat.
So you are a fan of Hindi films?
Oh yes. When I was in prison after I was arrested by the treacherous Malaysian government, when I was asked, I said I would listen to popular English songs by the Beatles and Elvis. But I also enjoyed listening to Malay and Hindi songs. I clearly recall that when I was in school, my mother had taken me to see Mother India. It was a great film and it impacted me tremendously. It was so powerful, it registered in my mind. I also loved Mughal-e-Azam, Waqt and Sangam.
It is said you want to return as PM of Malaysia...
I go across the world to deliver talks and I am involved in political affairs internationally and in Malaysia. My stint in prison has taught me a lot. You realise there is more to life than the injustice and treachery one has faced. Prison matures you a lot. I would ideally like to return as Prime Minister. I may or not succeed, but I know one thing -- that the people are with me. At the moment, the system is not with me, but I have no regrets about that. I know that I have made an impact on society, as we have made it all the more inclusive. My work is a departure from the current politics back home, that is race-based.
