Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia said Nurul Izzah’s comments, while bitter to swallow, reflected the current sentiment that the public is no longer confident in the Anwar Ibrahim-led PH’s ability to govern successfully.

“It is difficult for Izzah to be completely honest given that it involves her father’s performance. But for an outsider, it appears her comments are in line with Rafizi Ramli’s,” he said.

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Rafizi, the PKR vice-president, had earlier said that PH should be realistic over its chances in GE15 and settle for remaining in the opposition “with dignity”.

On Thursday, Izzah said PH would need at least 10 more years or two more general elections before it can retake the federal government.

The former PKR vice-president also said she foresaw PH having a tough time in GE15 and losing many parliamentary and state seats.

Akademi Nusantara senior fellow Azmi Hassan said Izzah “has raised the white flag” with her comments, adding that it should not have happened with GE15 yet to be announced.

“Every party must give confidence to its supporters. When Nurul Izzah or Rafizi says there is no hope for PH to form the government, it gives the impression that they’ve conceded defeat and given the advantage to Barisan Nasional-Umno,” he said.

He said Nurul Izzah’s decision not to contest for any position at the upcoming PKR elections would make it difficult for her to restore faith in the party.

“If PKR hopes to change for the better, it must start from within and it must come from someone in a position of influence within the party. Without that influence, it will be difficult to achieve the changes Nurul Izzah has suggested,” he said.

Azmi added that if Rafizi were to lose out on the PKR deputy president’s post he is set to contest, the faction within the party that is seeking reforms would see its actions getting stunted.

Both Fauzi and Azmi agreed that PKR must highlight the talents of its younger members to garner the support of the youth.

“As difficult as it is to admit, the younger generation identifies more with Nurul Izzah than Anwar,” Fauzi said. “PH must put its confidence behind young leaders who have been pushing for reforms.”

Azmi said Anwar’s performance as a leader throughout previous general elections was indicative of his failure as the opposition leader.

“PH needs a new leader as Anwar’s leadership has failed time and again.

“A change of leadership must occur to raise the confidence and faith of those who wish to support the coalition.”