KUALA LUMPUR - Freed politician Anwar Ibrahim said his reconciliation with nemesis-turned-ally Mahathir Mohamad was due in large part to Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali.

Datuk Seri Anwar, who was released from prison on Wednesday (May 16) after he received a full royal pardon, told Malay Mail he found it hard at the beginning to let go of the past and work with Tun Dr Mahathir.

But he said he felt compelled to do so after seeing how his wife, Dr Wan Azizah, and Dr Mahathir's wife, Dr Siti Hasmah, got along so well and how they understood each other's pasts.

"The male ego may not want to agree, or to let go... but for them, to them it was easier, there were no barriers to their relationship, they are very affectionate," he was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.

The 70-year-old has pledged his support for the leadership of Dr Mahathir, the newly minted Prime Minister, and Dr Wan Azizah, who is Deputy Prime Minister.

Dr Mahathir has promised to step down as prime minister in two years to make way for Mr Anwar.

To be appointed a Cabinet minister, Mr Anwar will first have to win a seat in the Lower House of Parliament in a by-election or be sworn in as a senator in the Upper House.

"As a citizen, I would give complete support (to them) to manage the affairs of this country on the understanding that we are committed to the reform agenda. I will be kept informed, but I don't need to serve in the Cabinet for now," he said.