Veterans of the reformasi movement should emulate their leader Anwar Ibrahim and work with Dr Mahathir Mohamad to defeat Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, said PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

"I'm confident it is not easy for them (reformists) to accept (Mahathir) just like that. We understand their sentiments.

"However, we respect Mahathir as a former premier, because we now share an agenda to oust Najb.

"So we have to work together. I hope all parties can open their hearts like Anwar and his family.

"If (the past with Mahathir) is bitter for the reformists, then it must be even more bitter for Anwar," he told reporters when met in Shah Alam today.

Last Saturday, Mahathir made an unexpected appearance at a Reformasi convention, and was heckled by those in attendance.

The former premier urged them to set aside their dislike for him, in order to work together against Najib.

Mahathir and his former protege-turned-foe Anwar has mended ties and the two have met twice when the latter was brought to court.

Nik Nazmi, who is also the Seri Setia assemblyperson, said Mahathir has more to offer the opposition than what the reformists think.

"The reformists think Mahathir (will have) limited (contributions to Pakatan Harapan), but he has his advantages among hardcore Umno supporters and rural voters. We should use this advantage to topple BN.

"One of the ways is to free Anwar when you win the election. So we have to focus in that direction," he added.