Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has replied to invitations to attend the opening of this year's Parliament session on March 9 and the subsequent month-long sitting.  

PKR whip Johari Abdul said he submitted a letter to speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia this morning regarding the matter.

The Sungai Petani MP revealed that Anwar's attendance was confirmed on his behalf by Malek Hussin, who heads the parliamentary affairs office of the opposition leader.

"I hope Pandikar makes a decision soon. I hope he will use his wisdom and authority as  speaker to make necessary arrangements for Anwar to attend the session," Johari added.

He also told reporters that until the royal pardon application is decided on, Anwar would remain as Permatang Pauh MP and opposition leader.

Anwar is currently serving a five-year jail sentence in the Sungai Buloh Prison for a sodomy conviction.

Meanwhile, Kuala Langat MP Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, who was also present at the press conference, said if Pandikar did not allow Anwar to attend Parliament, he would be going against the constitution.

"Anwar is entitled to all the perks and salary until the Yang di-Pertuan Agong makes his decision," he added.

Last week, Anwar's daughter and Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah called on the government to allow her father to attend the opening ceremony.

PKR lawmakers also claimed that Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi can decide on the matter while Zahid has said this is within the jurisdiction of the attorney-general.