All set for tomorrow's big show between Najib and Anwar

Apr 16: The stage is set, literally, for a 'conversation' with both caretaker prime minister Najib Razak and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to present their respective coalition's manifesto.

Seen as the closest to a 'debate' which Najib had been shying away from despite opinion polls showing the public's approval to such an event, the programme is being organised by none other than influential electoral reforms coalition Bersih 2.0.

While Anwar has confirmed his attendance, Najib has yet to respond.

In any case, the public will eagerly await what could be the first formal public encounter between the nation's two opposing top political leaders in the days leading to polling day on May 5.

Moderating the programme, to be held at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow evening, is Bersih steering committee member Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa.

Speaking to Harakahdaily, Farouk (right) said whether or not Najib turns up tomorrow, the programme will proceed as planned.

Still, he hoped that the UMNO president will be present at the historic event.

"Since Najib claimed that this country should the best democracy in the world, he must prove that he is willing to debate as is practised in democratic countries," Farouk, who also heads Islamic Renaissance Front, told Harakahdaily today, while pledging to be objective in his role as moderator.