A coalition of people with different ideas and beliefs could bring about a change that would eventually lead to the country's success, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said yesterday.

That change, however, could only be achieved if people voted for Labour candidates in the European Parliament and local council elections on Saturday, he said.

The coalition, on the other hand was made up of Labourites and those who were first-time voters, Dr Muscat said. These people must be welcomed and not pushed aside, he added.

He wanted to send out a message of hope that something new had started for workers, the self-employed, small businesses, pensioners and families.

Before a large crowd during a political activity in Fgura, Dr Muscat made one final appeal for everyone to cast their vote on Saturday.

He spoke about the values that drew him to the Labour Party that, among other things, created new opportunities for the middle class and fought for people's rights.

Referring to dockyard workers, Dr Muscat read out excerpts from a letter Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had sent to dockyard workers last year. In the letter, Dr Muscat said, workers were promised that the government would do its utmost to help the dockyard move forward.

"You'll move ahead by working more, earning more and paying less tax," he read out to the applause of the crowd.

Similarly, he said, the government had sent an email to Go employees saying there were no plans for downsizing. "However, the employees told me that unless 350 leave, then they will be fired," Dr Muscat said referring to his meeting with Go employees earlier yesterday.

Calling out taxi drivers, bus drivers, Go and Enemalta employees and all those who felt change was needed, Dr Muscat urged them to vote for the Labour Party.

Addressing those who had not collected their vote or who were still unsure whether they should do so, Dr Muscat asked them to take a closer look at their water and electricity bills and send out a clear message to the government with their vote.