Despite a rumour that PKR de facto leader and Permatang Pauh MP Anwar Ibrahim will be suspended by Parliament’s powerful Rights and Privileges Committee, its members have yet to meet.

NONE PKR MP for Subang R Sivarasa, who sits on the bipartisan committee, said that he has not received any notice for further committee meetings.

“But we are still prepared for all eventualities including suspension,” he told Malaysiakini .

Online news portal The Malaysian Insider , quoting sources, had reported that the Opposition Leader may face censure over his Apco jibe in Parliament, linking the international public relations firm to the 1Malaysia tagline as well as that of Israel’s.

However, Sivarasa reckoned that, even if Anwar is censured, this will not happen any time soon.

“The hearing won’t be over so quickly. We still expect to hear from a number of witnesses including those from Apco. So as far as I am concerned, it is just speculation,” he said.

In a press conference in Parliament later today, Anwar said he was unaware of whether there would be a move to censure him on the matter.

"No information, no notice of any meeting," said the Permatang Pauh MP.

"So, it's interesting how the government works," he added.

"Apparently, there is a decision made known to many people although the committee has not even convened," he said.

‘No bearing on polls’

Sivarasa also rubbished the notion that the move to censure Anwar is part of BN’s ‘strategic plan’ before calling for snap polls early next year.

“Even if he is suspended, there will be no direct impact on his candidacy or his campaign in the general election.

NONE “In fact, it may actually help shore up support for Pakatan if this is seen as an unjust punishment for him."

Sivarasa ( right ) also said that in the event that Anwar is suspended, it may create global repercussions for Malaysia’s image in terms of freedom of expression for parliamentarians.

“If he is suspended from Parliament, it would certainly be unprecedented for an Opposition Leader in Malaysia and maybe even the Commonwealth.

“Malaysia will then have the dubious honour of being the first in the more advanced and bigger democracies in the Commonwealth to suspend the leader of the opposition." 

Malaysian MPs generally enjoy immunity from the law as to what they say within the House.

However, they are answerable to the rights and privileges committee if they are suspected of misleading the House.

Additional reporting by S Pathmawathy