KUALA LUMPUR — Jailed Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim will be a free man in three days, his eldest daughter Nurul Izzah told TODAY on Saturday (May 12).

"Yes, he will be released on Tuesday," she said, adding that the paperwork for her father’s royal pardon was being prepared. She did not give further details.

News of Anwar's imminent release from prison was first reported by Channel NewsAsia.

Anwar, the de facto leader of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), is currently in Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital where he has been recuperating after a surgery. He is serving a five-year jail term following a conviction for sodomy, and was due to be release on June 8.

Under Malaysian law, Anwar is disqualified from running for office for five years after his release, unless he is pardoned by the king.

The 70-year-old's impending release from prison would pave the way for him to return to politics and potentially become prime minister.

New prime minister Mahathir Mohamad had said in his first media address after being elected that he would honour his agreement to get his former nemesis-turned-ally a full royal pardon.

However, Anwar will have to win a by-election or be elected senator in order for him to take over as prime minister.

Before the election, Dr Mahathir had said he would step down and give the prime minister's post to Anwar when he is pardoned. 

Anwar's wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has been appointed the deputy prime minister in the new Cabinet.