Anwar Ibrahim can still be a political leader although the Federal Court today rejected his application for review of his corruption conviction, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Lim said the former deputy premier could indirectly lead Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which is helmed by the latter's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

"He has to continue to lead even if it is not from the front. He could be a 'conscience leader' from the sidelines or even an honorary or spiritual adviser," he said when contacted.

Lim himself returned to active politics on Aug 25 after a five-year ban following his conviction under the Sedition Act and Printing Presses and Publication Act in 1998 for publishing false news.

The former Kota Melaka parliamentarian was arrested for distributing pamphlets which accused former Malacca chief minister Rahim Thamby Chik of statutory rape, although he had been cleared of involvement by the Attorney-General. DAP later retracted the allegation.

By law, a convicted person is barred from holding any political positions or contesting in polls for a period of five years.

'Push for reforms'

Lim said the decision on Anwar's role in PKR was up to the party and that his comments in this regard were made in his personal capacity, as someone who has been on the same boat.

"Recognition of a leader is for the principles one embodies, not the position one holds," he noted.

However, even if Anwar's political activities are curtailed and he does not hold party positions, "his charisma will not stop him from being involved in things", Lim said.

He dismissed the possibility that Anwar could head a non-governmental organisation as this too would breach the law.

"Reality won't allow Anwar to function freely but he must continue the role of trying to push forward genuine reforms," he said.

Anwar is currently in Munich undergoing rehabilitation following surgery to correct a slipped disc. He is expected to return in the middle of next month.

He was sacked as deputy premier in September 1998 and was subsequently convicted of corrupt practices and sodomy.

Anwar completed his six-year jail sentence for the corruption conviction, but the Federal Court quashed the sodomy conviction on Sept 2. He then applied for review of the corruption conviction, as a favourable outcome would have allowed him to return to active politics immediately.