Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim is due in Kuching next Monday for his first visit to Sarawak since his release from prison last year.

Parti Keadilan Raykat (PKR) state liaison committee head Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Sanusi told malaysiakini today that Anwar's visit will enable him to meet his supporters and well-wishers as well as leaders of the various opposition parties in the state.

According to him, the original plan for a ceramah umum (public talk) which would require a police permit will be replaced by a thanksgiving get-together instead at the residence of PKR's national adviser Hafsah Harun in Kuching on the same evening.

"We've extended an invitation to leaders of PAS, Sarawak National Party, State Reform Party (Star) and DAP," said Wan Zainal.

Will he be barred?

Asked on the rumours that Anwar could be prevented from entering the state, he replied: "We don't know. We hope not."

In a recent interview with malaysiakini , Anwar took a swipe at Sarawak's Chief Minister Taib Mahmud, criticising his leadership style, among other things.

It is common knowledge that even when he was deputy premier, Anwar did not have close ties with the Sarawak leader and some quarters even claim that he had led the Anti Corruption Agency (ACA) to the doorsteps of several of Taib's strongest supporters.

The state government enjoys autonomous immigration powers and can bar any outsiders, including West Malaysians and Sabahans, from entering on security grounds.

Some national politicians and social activists have been on the blacklist of the state and disallowed from entering.

Political observers said Anwar's visit could be an opportunity for groups opposed to Taib's leadership to possibly begin discussions on a loose alliance to avoid contesting against each other in the next state elections that can be held any time between now and November next year.

TONY THIEN is malaysiakini 's Sarawak-based stringer.