Former MP seeks royal pardon

Former MP seeks royal pardon

MALAYSIA: Opposition leaders on Sunday urged Malaysia's king to pardon a prominent former lawmaker who was jailed for sedition, so he can run in general elections expected soon.

Lim Guan Eng of the opposition Democratic Action Party was a member of parliament for 12 years until he lost his seat in August 1999, the same time he was released after serving two- thirds of an 18-month prison sentence.

Lawmakers must give up their seats if they serve at least 12 months in prison, and can only contest elections five years after their release.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is widely expected to call elections before the end of March, officials with close links to the government have said on condition of anonymity.

Lim, 43, filed a petition earlier this month with Malaysia's constitutional monarch, Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail, seeking a pardon to enable him to run for office if polls are held before August. --AP