Still sore over PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli's remarks, Zaid Ibrahim has accused the opposition of behaving like BN.

The former law minister said having differences in political ideology and opinion should not justify being harsh and disrespectful, especially to older people.

“When I suggested in my blog that the prime minister-designate for the opposition should be selected after much analysis and open discussion amongst the parties in the coalition, a young PKR leader lambasted me as someone who has had 'a checkered career in politics'.

“That was uncalled for. It’s similar to (Umno minister) Nazri Abdul Aziz retorting that I am a 'failed politician'. I don’t expect civility from Nazri, but I certainly expect it from the future prime ministers of this country,” he said, alluding to Rafizi.

According to Zaid, who is now a DAP member, the opposition is showing traces of the same political culture that BN has.

“When the future prime minister says things like, 'We can get Anwar to be PM two weeks after winning GE14,' he shows no respect for the laws and processes involved in securing a pardon for a convict.

“He thinks the pardons board, the attorney-general and the King will all act on the wishes of the new government.

“I wonder what will happen to the members of the pardons board if they refuse. Will the new government then apply pressure or even sack those who will not pardon Anwar in two weeks? It will be the pot calling the kettle black all over again,” he added in his latest blog post.

Despite this, Zaid said none of the opposition leaders dared to correct the “future PM’s” assertion.

“None dared to say that we cannot exhibit high-handedness and must instead always exercise restraint when wielding power. Is this not what the opposition stands for?” he added.

'I am looking for a new job'

Meanwhile, the former minister said the opposition was also mirroring Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak by retaining the PAS excos in the Selangor government for the sake of stability.

Najib, he said, was doing this at the national level, where he is co-opting PAS for stability as well.

“Can anyone tell me the difference?” he asked.

Zaid also said if he was to continue writing in this manner, he might get hauled up. It is believed that he was referring to DAP taking action against him.

“So I better stop here. Anyway, the opposition does not have to worry too much about my writings as I am looking for a job soon. Being unemployed for eight years is too long. There won’t be much to write about politics after this,” he added.

Rafizi had criticised Zaid for accusing PKR of being arrogant when its leaders raised placards proclaiming Anwar as the next prime minister during its recent congress.

He also termed it as disrespectful towards Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad and party president Muhyiddin Yassin who were also present.

Apart from PKR leaders, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Mohamad Sabu had also carried the same placards.

Following this, Rafizi explained the reasons for Anwar's continued relevance in Malaysian politics and urged Zaid to channel his grouses against PKR in a more diplomatic manner.

“Someone with a checkered political history as Zaid, especially given the turmoil in PKR when he was around, should not make friendly-fire.

“I hope just as we accept him with open arms despite all his antagonism towards PKR before, he will reciprocate that,” he had said.

Zaid has repeatedly endorsed Mahathir as the best choice for Pakatan Harapan's prime minister candidate.