Pakatan is planning a pre-rally gathering in Kuala Lumpur on the eve of their Jan 12 Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat (People's Uprising Rally) to be held at the iconic Merdeka Stadium.

Dubbed the Rapat Kemuncak Mengira Detik (Ultimate Countdown Gathering), the event will take place from 5pm onwards at the Sultan Sulaiman Club field in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

NONEPakatan leaders Anwar Ibrahim, Abdul Hadi Awang, Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Lim Guan Eng, Mohamad Sabu and others are expected to speak, with former popular rock band star turned religious motivator Azhar Mohd Idrus due to make an appearance in the afternoon along with other entertainers.

"Other than arts activists who are often with us, we will also feature performances from well-known artists," organiser Adam Adli told Malaysiakini.

He related that the gathering, expected to gather thousands of Pakatan supporters, will also showcase testimonies by "the oppressed rakyat" airing their grouses.

"(It is the) rakyat's stage to start off the festive mood and highlight the rakyat's demands, he added.

The Jan 11 gathering, he said, will be the arena of celebration for participants of the People's Uprising Rally.