A grand Iban longhouse reception awaits former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim when he visits the Sri Aman Division, about 150km from Kuching City, Sarawak, on Nov 28.

Anwar, who is Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor, is expected to arrive from Kuala Lumpur at 10am. He will proceed to an Iban longhouse in Pantu to attend a gathering organised by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

"About 1,000 people from various longhouses as well as several parts of Kuching, Serian and Sibu are expected to attend," a spokesperson for the reception committee said.

It is learnt that Anwar had made the request to meet the longhouse people and listen to their problems, especially on native customary rights (NCR) land issues.

"We hope Anwar will be able to bring the issues to the attention of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi," the spokesperson said.

Members of several Iban longhouses in Pantu, Sri Aman Division, had recently complained about encroachment by timber and oil palm companies into NCR land. They have organised a campaign with the help of several NGOs to drive these companies out.

"Since the problems have received almost no publicity in the local media, the affected Ibans have turned to NGOs and others to highlight their plight," said retired senior education officer Jacob Emang.

Among the speakers will be Anwar, former Sarawak deputy chief minister and former Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) president Daniel Tajem and tuai rumah (village chief) Christopher Ambu of Pantu's Aping longhouse.

"Government politicians are either too scared or simply not interested in assisting."

Opposition pact

Local newspapers yesterday quoted Barisan Nasional Santubong member of Parliament Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as saying that Anwar has every right to visit Sarawak.

However, he added that the opposition leader's visit would only serve to disunite the people.

Anwar's visit is seen as an indication of the opposition's belief that the state elections are around the corner.

He will spend two days in Sarawak, during which he will meet with Sarawak National Party and PKR leaders in Kuching.

He will also address Chinese and Malay audiences at separate events, to finalise plans for an opposition pact.