Anwar Ibrahim and Karpal Singh will remain as the MPs for Permatang Pauh and Bukit Gelugor respectively despite their convictions, ruled Deputy Speaker Ismail Mohamed Said.

The pair will retain their elected posts until the disposal of the court process.

Ismail made the ruling after Karpal sought an explanation from the speaker, saying that based on provisions in the Federal Constitution, his and Anwar’s status as MPs were "in doubt".

However, the deputy speaker said he would refer the matter to Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia for confirmation.

"In the meantime, we will wait for the decision of the higher courts where appeals have been lodged," he added.

Karpal earlier asked the speaker to make a ruling on the matter, citing the Federal Constitution about the disqualification of a MP from the House.

"I have been fined RM4,000 and Permatang Pauh (Anwar) also faces the same situation. So, now the status of two MPs in the House is in doubt," he said, citing Article 53 of the Federal Constitution.

"I want the speaker to use this provision to rule whether I can be in this House," he added.

After Ismail responded, Karpal sought further confirmation with another question: "So I can still be in the House?"

"Yes," Ismail replied.

Karpal was convicted by the High Court for sedition against the Perak ruler on March 11 and fined RM 4,000. A fine above RM 2,000 automatically disqualifies him as a MP.

He has since filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal.

Anwar was found guilty of sodomy against his former aide on March 7 at the Court of Appeal and was sentenced to five years' jail. Any jail term exceeding a year disqualifies an individual as a MP.

Anwar is appealing the conviction at the Federal Court.