About 50,000 supporters of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim are expected to greet him on his return by private jet on Oct 31.

A family member told malaysiakini that the aircraft, belonging to the Saudi Arabia Royal family, is expected to touch down at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 1.30pm.

Chairperson of the 'homecoming committee', Kamarul Bahrin Abbas said an application has been submitted for a gathering at a stadium on that day.

Anwar, will be escorted immediately to the venue. He is currently in Saudi Arabia, where he has performed the umrah and is also scheduled to meet the country's leaders and businessmen.

At a press conference at Anwar's home in Damansara Heights today, Kamarul Bahrin said: "We submitted the application last week directly to the home ministry. We hope the government will allow us to hold a proper and hassle-free gathering.

"The idea is to ensure that the chaos that arose during his departure to Germany is not repeated. The crowd was so big and uncontrolled that it led to flights being delayed. We don't want that to happen again."

He said the committee had suggested two venues - the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil or the Shah Alam stadium - in its application.

A response is expected next week. If the application is rejected, the committee will consider alternative plans, which is being kept under wraps for the moment.

Kamarul Bahrin, who is treasurer of Parti Keadilan Rakyat - which is led by Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail - stressed that the gathering is not a political rally.

"There will be no political ceramah. Yes, he will be addressing the supporters but it will be more like some words to say thanks - something short and sweet."

Immediate plans

Asked about Anwar's activities on his return, Kamarul (pix) said the former politician will concentrate on "making up for lost time with his friends and relatives whom he has not met for the past six years while in jail".

"I doubt there will be much politicking. At least until Hari Raya which he will celebrate with close friends and relatives at his hometown in (Cerok To' Kun) Penang."

Anwar is currently on his way to Jeddah where he plans to rest and meet old friends and a group of businessmen.

"As you know, many Muslim leaders are known to perform the umrah during the month of Ramadhan. So Anwar wants to take the opportunity to meet them. He plans to meet businessmen to speak on potential investments in Malaysia."

Meanwhile, Anwar's aide Azmin Ali said Anwar had completed his ziyarah (visitations) in Medina yesterday and expected to start the 400km journey to Jeddah today.

"As a visitor who has been accorded Royal status, Anwar was given the rare opportunity to perform their prayers next to Prophet Muhammad's mausoleum in Medina," said Azmin, who is in the 12-member entourage.

Anwar was freed from prison on Sept 2, when his conviction and nine-year sentence for sodomy was quashed. He left a few days later for Munich, Germany, where he underwent surgery to correct a slipped disc.

He had earlier served a six-year jail sentence for corrupt practices, which bars him from taking active part in politics until April 2008.