Pakatan Harapan is slated to hold its national convention over the weekend, where the coalition is expected to make an official announcement on its choice of candidate for the prime minister's post.

In a statement this evening, the coalition's de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim reminded the four component parties that Harapan's strength lies in “suara rakyat” (voice of the people).

“Therefore, it is appropriate for the tradition of consulting NGOs and activists to be maintained,” he said.

Anwar, who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence, also urged for the spirit of consensus to be upheld in Harapan and to set aside statements which are excessive and overboard.

“It is this noble principle which must be prioritised, whereas other problems, which are not essential or pressing, can be addressed through discussions,” he said.

The statement was issued as Harapan top guns were meeting over the agenda for the convention on Sunday. 

It is understood that Amanah, Bersatu and DAP are fixed on nominating Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Harapan's candidate for prime minister and Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as his deputy. 

However, it is understood that some PKR leaders are not fully supportive of this idea and want to attach certain conditions.

In recent days, there have been calls for Harapan to nominate younger individuals as Harapan's prime ministerial candidate. 

A group of NGOs and civil society personalities have also issued a joint statement to urge BN and Harapan to not nominate Najib Abdul Razak and Mahathir as their respective candidate for prime minister.