Following the breakdown in seat negotiations, DAP and PKR, though allies in the opposition coalition, resolved to battle each other in six seats, and engaged in public verbal jousting.

But candidates from both parties were defeated in all the seats, and in some constituencies, their combined tallies had fallen short of the BN candidates’ votes.

This led observers to suggest that it could have been a backlash from opposition supporters vexed over the rift.

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali however has chosen not to indulge in a blame game and called on the opposition parties to close ranks instead.

"This is not the time for recrimination but for reflection," he said in a media statement.

"Although PKR maintained its seats, DAP's defeat is our defeat. In fact, the defeat of any member of the coalition is a defeat for PKR.

"In this regard, Amanah and PAS must continue to soldier on together with PKR and DAP so that all of us can move forward to face GE14 together – as a team.

"They say the lessons of history were always there to guide us if only we had listened," he added.

The Selangor menteri besar pointed out that the people of Sarawak have spoken, and the opposition must take the lessons to heart and listen.

"It is said that courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. But there are times when it takes even greater courage to sit down and listen. The message is loud and clear – the people disapprove of fighting among the opposition.

"We could have done better if we had been more united by that spirit of working together – as we did in the past.

"We must recognise that coalition partners would continue to have differences but the conviction of togetherness would enable us to transcend these differences for a common goal for the future of our nation," he added.

Azmin also urged the leaders of the various opposition parties to meet in order to iron out the problems.

"In this spirit of humility, I call upon the leaders of the opposition to meet, to reflect and to resolve our differences for the sake of the higher good for indeed as political parties none can be higher than the good of the nation.

"I sincerely believe that in this spirit of brotherhood, give and take, and mutual respect – we shall, God willing, rise again," he said.