Pakatan Rakyat today resolved to boycott the Parliament sitting on Tuesday, March 11, in protest against the conviction and five-year jail sentence imposed on Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim for sodomy.

In a joint statement today, the opposition coalition said the boycott is also in solidarity with DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh, who will be sentenced for sedition on the same day.

"We will instead stand with Pakatan Rakyat's candidate at the nomination for the Kajang by-election,"  the statement said.

The statement was jointly issued by PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution, PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali and DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke.

However, the trio said Pakatan MPs would be present in Parliament on Monday, for the opening of its new session by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"The court's decision to sentence Anwar to five years in prison and the coming sentencing of Karpal under the Sedition Act is clear evidence of Umno and BN abusing the judiciary.

"Umno and BN have not learnt after being punished by the rakyat since 1998 and are repeating the same mistakes against both Pakatan leaders.

"We are confident Anwar's sacrifice will not be for nothing. His sacrifice will open the eyes of the rakyat and inspire people to stand with Pakatan for change," they said.

BN arrogant despite dwindling support

Saifuddin, Mustafa and Loke said despite the BN's dwindling support, it has remained arrogant and refused to carry out the necessary reforms, including to the judiciary.

"The only reason for this (refusal to reform) is to ensure Umno and BN remain in power," their statement said.

Yesterday, the Court of Appeal overturned a 2012 High Court decision acquitting Anwar of sodomising his former aide.

However, Anwar temporarily remains a free man after the court granted him a stay on the execution of the sentence, on a bail of RM10,000.