The state PKR leader, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, described Lee’s statement as not representing the spirit of unity.

Lee had said Anwar should step down and the opposition coalition should explore new directions and find a new consensus as soon as possible.

However, Farhash said Lee’s attempt to single out Anwar as the only individual responsible for Pakatan Harapan’s loss was unfair.

“Every decision on the polls such as seat allocations or the use of the PH logo, was decided collectively. It is unreasonable for only one person to be held responsible for PH’s losses in the Melaka polls,” he added.

Other than Lee, similar calls were made by other politicians and analysts urging Anwar to step aside as the leader of PH and PKR. Political analyst Wong Chin Huat, among others, said Anwar should merge his party with Amanah.

Warisan vice-president Junz Wong said the people were also fed up with PH’s repeated broken promises and were yearning for a new leader.

PH won only five seats in the Melaka state elections, compared to the 15 seats it won in the 2018 general election.