Anwar still Permatang Pauh MP, says Rafizi

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is still Permatang Pauh MP and Opposition leader despite reports of his petition for royal pardon being rejected, said PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli (pic).

He said the party had yet to get any official confirmation on the matter and as such Anwar’s position remained unchanged.

“As far as we are concerned, the process is ongoing. We have been getting mixed information on this. So I think it’s best to wait for the official process to go through the motions,” the Pandan MP told reporters in Parliament lobby, Wednesday.

It was reported earlier that the Pardons Board had rejected Anwar’s petition for a royal pardon over his sodomy conviction, resulting in Anwar losing his seat as Permatang Pauh MP.

“The royal pardon is an ongoing process. But, of course, if it’s confirmed rejected, I’m sure the due process with the House will take place and the Speaker will make the necessary arrangements.

“But now it’s just speculation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pakatan Rakyat parliamentary whips said the appointment of a new Opposition leader would only be discussed after all avenues to free Anwar had been exhausted.

“As far as we are concerned, Anwar is still an MP until the Dewan Rakyat Speaker declares the seat vacant.

“When that happens, PKR will think of a candidate for the seat. We will only discuss a new Opposition leader after the by-election,” said DAP’s Seremban MP Anthony Loke.