A birthday bash with cakes and balloons will be thrown for jailed ex-deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim who turned 54 yesterday outside the Sungai Buloh prison tomorrow by his family and supporters.

Supporters will journey to the prison in a convoy of vehicles where they will meet Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and the couple's children.

Free Anwar Campaign director Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin said today Anwar's family are scheduled to visit him at about 11am.

Before entering the prison grounds, Wan Azizah will cut a cake on her husband's behalf and supporters "will release balloons into the air and sing songs," said Raja Petra.

"We will not stay there too long. We will disperse as soon as she walks in. She will convey our best wishes to him," he added.

Peaceful event

Raja Petra expects the event to be peaceful and friendly despite the harsh action by police at recent gatherings by reformasi supporters.

"We organised a similar event last year and there were no untoward incidents. In fact, the prison guards themselves came out and shook hands with us.

"Therefore, it is not necessary for the police to use water cannons and tear gas," he said.

The convoy is expected to congregate at Keadilan Gombak state assemblyman Azmin Ali's office before leaving for Sungai Buloh.

However, messages posted on reformasi websites today have called on supporters to travel on their own to avoid police road blocks.

Anwar, is currently serving a 15-year sentence for abuse of power and sodomy at the Sungai Buloh prison.