The proposed new party announced by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohammad was inevitable, according to Ambiga Sreenevasan.

"I think it is necessary in the present circumstances to give a platform for those who were in BN and who oppose the Najib government," the Hakam president told Malaysiakini.

Ambiga also viewed the latest development as a strengthening of the opposition bloc, which she pointed out had numerous issues to resolve and was constantly under attack.

"Having allies who are experienced in the ways of the BN is a huge advantage to the opposition. In a sense there is a common enemy but there is also a common cause, namely to bring the ship of state back to an even keel," she added.

Furthermore, Ambiga said the new party might also have a role in resolving the PAS issue.

The former Bar Council president and Bersih chairperson urged the Islamist party to decide if it was in the opposition or with Umno.

"I believe they owe it to the voters who voted for them in GE13 to be clear in their intentions.

"They must appreciate the sense of betrayal of the many who voted for them when they see their leaders aligning themselves with BN.

"However, I believe there are many members of PAS who stood with us in Bersih who still believe in the same ideals of good governance and a corrupt free administration, for they must know that a country whose governance is rotten to the core serves no-one and no purpose," she added.

Therefore, Ambiga emphasised on the need for negotiations for an electoral pact with PAS at the very least, to avoid three-corner fights.

"That in my view is a priority in the next GE," she said.

Ambiga said the new party had also opened up the political landscape, showing that not all in BN were prepared to be yes-men.

"To me it is healthy and accords with the fundamental rights to freedom of association," she added.

In short, Ambiga said, this was the time for a consolidation of the opposition political forces.

"The primary aim of the new party and the proposed opposition bloc must be to fight the corruption and the system infected by it, and to pursue a manifesto incorporating a clear reform agenda," she added.