The fifth Pakatan Rakyat convention will be held on March 8 and will serve as a "warm up" for the rally against rising prices of essential goods that is being planned for May 1.
 
According to PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution, several NGOs which champion causes that Pakatan Rakyat supports will also be speaking at the event.
 
This includes padi farmers advocacy group Bela Tani, teachers who are against the school-based assessment system, Gerakan Media Marah (Geramm) and Gerakan Turun Kos Sara Hidup (Turun).
 
"Thus, we hope that this convention will serve as a warming up platform to raise issues which are affecting the public," said Saifuddin, during a press conference after a Pakatan leadership meeting at the PAS headquarters today.
 
The one-day convention will take place at the Setia City Convention Centre, beginning at 8am and is scheduled to end at 4.30pm. The theme for the convention is "Pakatan Bersama Rakyat (A pact with the people)". 
 
To a question, Saifuddin denied suggestions that the convention was held to discuss issues involving the Kajang by-election which will be held on March 23 or issues faced by Selangor Pakatan.
 
However, he said the secretariat of the convention will not have an issue with speakers who broach on these topics.
 
He also confirmed that Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), who have organised May Day rallies annually since 1994, was not invited to the event.