PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim is confident that the wind of change is blowing in Sabah as the general election looms.

NONE Speaking at a ceramah at Beringgis, some 30km south of Kota Kinabalu, on Sunday, Anwar said his belief is drawn from the fact that his recent speaking engagements in Pensiangan, Tenom, Lahad Datu and Tawau have been well attended.

"In Pensiangan yesterday, I met a mother who came cradling her child. She came because land issues, dignity and pride. This can't be resolved with a piece of zinc (for housing).

"I can see their determination through their eyes. That is why I say change will happen," said Anwar, who toured Sabah over the weekend.

He said that many believe that Pakatan Rakyat's influence will cease at the borders of Johor, following the 2008 general election.

On the contrary, Anwar said the change that will take place in Sabah will spread to Johor and other states in Peninsular Malaysia.

azlan The catalyst for change in Sabah, said Anwar, was two Parliamentarians who recently left Barisan Nasional -  Wilfred Bumburing dan Lajim Ukin ( from left, in photo ).

"Special thanks must be conveyed to Lajim and Wilfred because they are helping us. But the deciders are the people.

"We're not talking about a normal handing over of power. We are changing the current system. We want to stop abuse of power," he said.

Anwar reminded local Pakatan leaders that should they rule in Sabah, they must correct the administration of Sabah and not repeat BN's ways.

"Sabah is a rice state but the people are poor. This is because of mismanagement. The wealth is not being spread. We want to correct this.

"We are not trying to win to humiliate others. Instead, we are confident that we can bring change," he said.

Among others, those present at the event were Sabah PKR chief Ahmad Tamrin Jaini, former senator Maijol Mahap, former Tanjung Aru Umno chief Yahya Lampong dan former works department director-general Richard Gunting.

So what grade for Umno's performance in Sabah?