In 2010,  Zaid Ibrahim quit PKR amid a bitter contest for the number two post with Azmin Ali.

Zaid then accused Azmin, who is now the Selangor menteri besar, and Anwar Ibrahim of being responsible for the irregularities and discrepancies in the party elections.

But now, the former law minister has endorsed Azmin as the best candidate to replace Anwar as the opposition leader in Parliament.

"Azmin has the resources and the political skills to replace Anwar.

"There is no need to be sentimental and try to goad Anwar's wife (PKR president) Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, or one of his daughters, to assume this post," Zaid ( right ) said in his blog.

He argued that with Azmin at the helm, Pakatan Rakyat can be expanded to include PasMa leaders and other NGOs.

"Azmin has no love for Abim (Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement), and therefore is able to detach himself from the ulama, unlike Anwar who came from the same mould as (PAS president Abdul) Hadi Awang," he added.

'Don't hesitate to appoint'

According to Zaid, the manner in which Pakatan deals with the appointment of the next opposition leader would reflect its seriousness about forming the next government.

"The new opposition leader must be able to formulate more cohesive and united policies and show BN that he is a formidable force in and outside Parliament.

"Azmin is a suitable choice, and there should be no hesitation in appointing him without delay,  as the Parliament sitting is fast approaching," he added.

Anwar, who is serving a five-year prison sentence, is still opposition leader and Permatang Pauh MP, pending a decision on the application for a royal pardon.

Parliament is to reconvene on March 9.