PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim revealed that he was "happy" that Dr Mahathir Mohamad is prime minister.

"I am happy that Mahathir is now the prime minister," he told Al Jazeera's UpFront which was airs today.

"He has a major task. We need a tough, firm leader for now and he is doing extremely well."

He said this when asked who he thought Malaysians preferred as prime minister – himself or Mahathir.

Anwar said he was unaware if any survey had been conducted on this topic, but said he wouldn't mind if Malaysians supported Mahathir's way of governing the country.

"I wouldn't mind if Malaysians generally endorse that. I think he is immensely popular. I would grant (him) that.

"I don't have qualms about it. I don't have to be an apologist to suggest otherwise," he said.

Rumours have been swirling that Anwar forced the Port Dickson by-election in a bid to return to power.

Anwar has repeatedly denied this and said his services as a lawmaker were needed in efforts to reform Parliament.

At one point, UpFront host Mehdi Hassan asked how Anwar was able to forgive former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and Mahathir, suggesting that most would have preferred revenge.

To this, Anwar said forgiveness was a "painful process" and that it "wasn't easy".

"We (Mahathir and I) talked about the country. We talked about justice. Yes. We talked about compassion.

"What is the relevance of religion if we do not promote compassion and willing(ness) to forgive?" asked Anwar.

He said he and his family had suffered for two decades, but revenge was not on his agenda.

"Between (our) sufferings and the country, which is at stake, I choose the country because I believe we can all effect change with this new attitude towards peace, compassion and justice by our willingness to forgive.

"My understanding with Mahathir is you conduct the affairs of the state, let me then ensure that parliamentary reforms are effective."