Tomorrow's illegal gathering that has been planned in the capital city is seen by many as a desperate attempt to gain public attention and tarnish the image of Malaysia and its judiciary in the eyes of the world.

The Prisons Department has clarified that treatment and facilities accorded all prisoners, including Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, were line in with prison laws, regulations and procedures.

The Year of the Sheep is going to be a year of continuous political turmoil, one that may be characterized by by intense firepower.

"Kita Lawan" ha called for a peaceful rally in Kuala Lumpur on March 7 to protest against the conviction of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, political analysts are nevertheless of the opinion that it will not be easy to revive that momentum of the 1998 Reformasi movement.

The Communications and Multimedia Ministry is willing to organise a debate between lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and Bar Council president Christopher Leong.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, found guilty for sodomy, is seeking a pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as a convict, said the Malaysian Volunteer Lawyers Association (SukaGuam).

The family of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday submitted a pardon petition to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and the move temporarily retains Anwar's MP status. However, whether the PKR de facto leader will eventually be released will mark the start of yet another round of political fight. However, it is generally believed that chances for Anwar to be pardoned are not too good.

Although a petition for a royal pardon has been filed by a convicted person, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong cannot be compelled to get the Pardons Board to meet or to make a decision on the matter as it is up to the King's discretion.

The family of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today confirmed that they have submitted a petition for a royal pardon to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah on the conviction and five-year imprisonment handed to him for the second sodomy case.

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is still the Permatang Pauh Member of Parliament until the outcome of the petition for pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, filed by his family, is decided, according to a number of analysts.