The current political environment no longer needs the likes of Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, and efforts to find his replacement should start now itself, says academician Jayum Jawan.

The professor, who is also the political cluster deputy chairman of the National Council of Professors (NCP) said that he sees Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali as a suitable candidate.

“This 'old man' (Anwar), who is near extinction, is not important anymore. The next Anwar in the making is Azmin.

“It cannot be denied, that Azmin ( left ) as an MB can be the next leader. He has the potential to contend for the president's post in the future,” he said in a press conference today.

He said that in reference to a question posed to him about the possibility of Anwar being thrown into jail again and who might take up the mantle.

Anwar is, at the moment, awaiting decision on his final appeal regarding the second sodomy trial against him.

Jayum also commented that he does not think PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as being capable enough to shoulder the responsibilities.

“Definitely not Wan Azizah,” he added.

The Human Ecology lecturer from the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) said that the young members from Pakatan Rakyat understand the situation well enough.

But, being respectful towards the de facto leader, they worry their actions might hurt his feelings.

“This is good as they are respectful towards the 'elderly'. They are just waiting for the old man to step down or be forced to step down,” he said.