VETERAN politicians in Pakatan Harapan (PH) are still needed, but they must work with the juniors to take their parties and the country forward, first-term assemblyman Young Syefura Othman said.

The DAP representative for Ketari, a state seat in Pahang, said she knew there were calls for the old leaders in PH to be replaced with new faces.

However, she said these leaders are still needed because of their experience.

“I do not think that we need to take such drastic measures. Without them (senior leaders) we would not be here.

“We still need their experience and wisdom. At the same time I believe, the seniors also need us, their juniors, to work together and to carry the party forward,” the 32-year-old politician said in an interview with Insight Talk.

In PKR, there have been calls for its 74-year-old president Anwar Ibrahim, who is also opposition leader, to be replaced. This gained momentum following PKR’s total wipeout in the Malacca elections last November.

“We should work hand in hand to achieve progress, not sideline party members,” Young Syefura said of old and young leaders.

After the Malacca polls, DAP’s Bilut assemblyman Lee Chin Chen said in a Facebook post that PH should select a new leader, adding that the coalition should explore other options and reach a new consensus.

He said if there was no hope of PH “resetting”, the DAP leadership should consider leaving the coalition and seek cooperation with others.

While PH was in federal power, there was also public sentiment that Malaysia was stuck with old leaders with no new ideas. This was in reference to then prime minister and PH chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad, despite the fact he and his then party Bersatu, were considered essential for PH to win Malay votes in the 2018 general election.

Although older leaders are still needed, Young Syefura also said it is time Malaysia worked towards having a fresh face for a prime minister.

For her, one potential candidate is Nurul Izzah Anwar, who would be the country’s first female head of government if this happened.

Nurul Izzah, who is Anwar’s daughter and with PKR, has what it takes to steer the country forward, Young Syefura said.

“She has the qualities of a prime minister. Plus, she has a vast experience in politics although she is relatively young. Nevertheless I believe she is capable.

“Although I am a DAP member, I have to say she has charisma. She does not play politics and I think it is time we have a fresh face.”

Nurul Izzah, 41, is a three-term MP, having represented Lembah Pantai for two terms and winning Permatang Pauh in 2018, when she beat then Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

The former PKR vice president had an early start in politics from the time of the Reformasi movement in 1998, after her father’s sacking from government and subsequent trial and imprisonment for corruption and sodomy. – January 28, 2022.