Malaysia's highest court has turned down former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's appeal of his corruption conviction.
The court's decision means Anwar will not be able to return to active politics until 2008.
Today's (Wednesday's) ruling comes two weeks after the same court released Anwar from prison by overturning a sodomy conviction Anwar had long contended was fabricated to destroy his political career.
Anwar, currently recovering from back surgery in Germany, could still receive a full pardon from Malaysia's king. But Anwar says he is undecided on whether to seek a royal pardon.
Tuesday, Malaysia's ruling party, the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) said Anwar would not be allowed to resume membership. He was vice president of the party before his conviction.
Information for this report is provided by AP.