Former Malaysian Bar president Sulaiman Abdullah is slated to replace the late Karpal Singh as Anwar Ibrahim's lead counsel in the Sodomy II appeal in the Federal Court.

A source familiar with the case confirmed today that Sulaiman ( right ) has agreed to act for Anwar.

"Ramkarpal, who played a pivotal role during the Sodomy II trial and in the appeal before the Court of Appeal, will also be part of the team," the source revealed.

Sulaiman, who had played an initial role in the Sodomy II appeal before Karpal's team took over, had a main role in the Sodomy I trial.

Karpal, 73, died in a car crash on April 17, that also killed his assistant J Michael Cornelius.

Anwar was found guilty by the Court of Appeal on March 7 and sentenced to five years jail for Sodomy II.

The written judgment was made available last Wednesday to Karpal's firm. Appellants have 10 days to file the petition stating their grounds of appeal.

Extension of time

A source said Anwar's legal team will seek an extension to file the petition of appeal which is due by Friday .

"Ramkarpal is scheduled to file an extension for the petition of appeal either today or tomorrow ," the source said.

"We are also preparing for any eventuality if this is not allowed and will make arrangements to file it on Friday ."

Anwar was acquitted by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Jan 9, 2012, but the prosecution appealed the decision.

The final appeal will be decided at the Federal Court.