Parliament will reconvene next Monday but the chances of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim being allowed to attend the sitting remain bleak.

This morning, PKR called on speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia to make a decision .

However, Pandikar's office told Malaysiakini that the speaker is currently abroad and would only return on March 8.

 

Meanwhile, his deputy, Ronald Kiandee, declined to comment on Anwar's status.

"You have to check with the speaker," Ronald told Malaysiakini .

This morning, PKR whip Johari Abdul said he submitted a letter to Pandikar’s office and urged the speaker to make a swift decision on whether Anwar can attend.

The opposition leader's office has also responded on behalf of Anwar to two invitations received last month - to attend the opening ceremony and participate in the month-long sitting.

Anwar is currently serving a five-year sentence in Sungai Buloh Prison, after being convicted of sodomy.

He remains as Permatang Pauh MP and parliamentary opposition leader, pending the decision on his royal pardon.