56. Anwar: It's Today!

BREAKING NEWS from Malaysiakini

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim told his supporters to have faith as a new government was in sight.

"Tonight on the eve of Malaysia day, we are ready to form the government tomorrow," he said to loud cheers from the crowd.

He said that he had the required number of members of parliament to form the government.

He said that Pakatan Rakyat has submitted a letter to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today, seeking a meeting with him for a smooth transition.

"Tomorrow is the day we are ready to form the government. But the best time, I tell you, is when we meet the prime minister.

"A peaceful transition is paramount," he added. 

He was talking to more than 30,000 people who had gathered at the Kelana Jaya stadium to celebrate Pakatan Rakyat's Hari Malaysia celebration.

Anwar began his speech at 10.15pm and emphasised the importance of Sabah and Sarawak to Malaysia.

He also criticised the Barisan Nasional for pursuing its divide and rule agenda at the expense of the two east Malaysian states.

"This is the first time ever a celebration of this scale was being held to recognise that we are one, that Sabah and Sarawak are part of Malaysia," Anwar told the crowd.

He added that he would declare Sept 16 as a public holiday when he forms the government.