  We present results of an optical spectroscopic survey using SALT and NOT to
build a WISE mid-infrared color-based, dust-unbiased sample of powerful
radio-bright ($>$200 mJy at 1.4 GHz) AGN for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey
(MALS). Our sample has 250 AGN (median $z=1.8$) showing emission lines, 26 with
no emission lines, and 27 without optical counterparts. Overall, our sample is
fainter ($\Delta i$=0.6 mag) and redder ($\Delta(g-i)$=0.2 mag) than
radio-selected quasars, and representative of fainter quasar population
detected in optical surveys. About 20% of the sources are narrow line AGN
(NLAGN) $-$ 65% of these, at $z < 0.5$ are galaxies without strong nuclear
emission, and 10% at $z>1.9$, have emission line ratios similar to radio
galaxies. The farthest NLAGN in our sample is M1513$-$2524 ($z_{em}=3.132$),
and the largest (size$\sim$330 kpc) is M0909$-$3133 ($z_{em}=0.884$). We
discuss in detail 110 AGN at $1.9 < z < 3.5$. Despite representing the radio
loudest quasars (median $R$=3685), their Eddington ratios are similar to the
SDSS quasars having lower $R$. We detect 4 CIV BALQSOs, all among AGN with
least $R$, and highest black hole masses and Eddington ratios. The BAL
detection rate ($4^{+3}_{-2}$%) is consistent with that seen in extremely
powerful ($L_{1.4GHz}>10^{25}$ WHz$^{-1}$) quasars. Using optical light-curves,
radio polarization and $\gamma$-ray detections, we identify 7 high-probability
BL Lacs. We also summarize the full MALS footprint to search for HI 21-cm and
OH 18-cm lines at $z<2$.
