“He is hoping for my success and I am touched by his attitude,” he told reporters outside the Jalan Duta court.

The former Opposition leader was commenting on Mahathir’s unscheduled visit to a High Court hearing there.

Anwar is pushing to suspend the coming into force of the controversial National Security Council Act.

The 91-year-old Mahathir arrived about 3pm, together with PKR Deputy President Azmin Ali, former Umno leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan, Batu MP and PKR Vice-President Tian Chua.

Anwar also revealed that the former prime minister had wished him well and hoped he would succeed in his suit.

When asked if he trusted Mahathir, Anwar said it was not about a matter of trust.

“Anyone who supports the reform agenda must be given a chance,” he said, adding that he presumed that Mahathir supported it based on his appearance today.

Anwar, who was Mahathir’s deputy and heir apparent to succeed as prime minister, was unceremoniously removed from the government and as Umno deputy president in 1998 for abuse of power.

Many of Anwar’s supporters blame Mahathir for being behind the incarceration of the former.

Meanwhile, Anwar’s wife and PKR President Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail shied away from questions whether she trusted Dr Mahathir following the latter’s appearance.

“He came to give us some encouragement. We will take it from here,” she said.