GEORGE TOWN (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK)- Anwar Ibrahim will remain as Permatang Pauh MP and opposition leader until Feb 23, said Democratic Action Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Mr Lim said that according to the Federal Constitution, a member of parliament's disqualification will only take effect 14 days after the day of conviction.

The Federal Court on Tuesday upheld the Court of Appeal's conviction and five-year jail term on Anwar for sodomising his former aide.

"If Anwar seeks a pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (sultan), the disqualification will be suspended until the pardon is disposed," Mr Lim told reporters on Wednesday.

He added that he "discussed the matter with Anwar before he entered the Sungai Buloh prison but I'm not going to divulge details".

Mr Lim refused to comment when asked about Pakatan Rakyat's plans should there be a by-election for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat.