Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has lost in his second bid to win the right of legal representation before the parliamentary rights and privileges committee.

pkr pc on lingam tape 041007 sivarasa At a press conference in the Parliament lobby this afternoon, Subang MP R Sivarasa said Anwar's application for legal representation has been denied again.

Sivarasa is a member of the bipartisan privileges committee.

"We revisited the question as to whether Anwar will be allowed the presence of his lawyer in the proceedings and again unfortunately, the majority said 'No'," he said.

Speaking to journalists this morning, Anwar said he had asked the committee to reconsider its decision.

"At first the committee decided to allow (my lawyer S) Ambiga to sit in but not to (take part in the proceedings)... but when I left the (meeting) room (yesterday), they decided not to allow her in altogether," he said.

Anwar was also disappointed that the panel will not allow him to hear the testimony of Apco Worldwide CEO Brad Staples  and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz.

The two were scheduled to testify today before the disciplinary committee, but the hearing has been postponed indefinitely .

NONE "They said that it is just an ordinary inquiry, (and that) the accused doesn't have to be present. But if the charge involves punishment - and in this case suspension from Parliament - I should be there to hear what they have to say.

"Now I'm appealing - (how do you know) what is being said? (It's) maybe a summary denial, (it's) maybe some irresponsible remark, and I (would) not (be) in a position to inquire.”

Anwar was referred to the committee after claiming in the House that Apco has links with Israel and that it masterminded both the 1Malaysia and OneIsrael campaigns, producing documents to back his assertions.

"I showed the committee the file, the one with the relevant documents, the information and what is privy to me (but) I can only ask (about it) if I'm able to be present. Now they are deliberating on it, so we will see.”

The communication company, to which the government pays RM77 million a year while under contract, has denied any links with Israel.