Speculation that jailed former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim may be freed o­n April 14 is causing excitement in opposition circles.

This is technically possible as his lawyers are working to file an application for a stay of execution o­n his nine-year jail sentence for sodomy. They will also file an application for bail pending the outcome of the appeal - now before the Court of Appeal - against the charges.

Lawyer Sankara Nair told malaysiakini today that the two applications would be filed next week at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, and that an early date would be sought for the hearings o­n or before April 14 when Anwar would have served two-thirds of his six-year jail sentence for corruption.

It is standard practice that prisoners are released for 'good behaviour' after having completed two-thirds of their jail sentence.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's decision o­n Jan 6 to withdraw a bankruptcy notice in relation to legal costs of RM35,381 in a defamation suit has also fueled talks of a possible reconciliation between the two protagonists, and that Anwar may receive a royal pardon.

However, Sankara dismissed the speculation as "remote", saying his assessment was based o­n discussions with Anwar and his family.