There is uncertainty over who has the final say on whether opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim can attend the Dewan Rakyat sitting that begins next week.

According to PKR officials, the decision lies with Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia.

However, Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi believes that a decision must first be made by the Pardons Board.

Anwar's wife and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (below, right) has petitioned the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the pardon.

Legal experts have opined that the pardon process is a long one as the board is not obliged to meet regularly.

Adding to the confusion today, Zahid said the Prisons Department, which is under his purview, can only decide on the matter after the Pardons Board makes a decision.

He also said this would be subject to legal interpretations and hence he had referred the matter to the attorney-general and Dewan Rakyat speaker for further deliberation.

"As is known, it is subject to legal interpretation but what's more important is that the Pardons Board has not met, so of course our decision is also delayed," Bernama quoted Zahid as saying .

Zahid said Anwar's lawyers had submitted a written request to seek his attendance at the Dewan Rakyat.

Earlier today, PKR said that the decision on Anwar's attendance rightfully lies with Speaker Pandikar Mulia Amin.

However, Pandikar's office confirmed that he is abroad until March 8, a day before the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes.

PKR officials argue that until the petition for pardon is decided on, Anwar remains as Permatang Pauh MP and opposition leader.

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