A Penang PKR rep has called for party president Anwar Ibrahim to be made prime minister immediately following Pakatan Harapan's loss in the Semenyih by-election.

Batu Uban assemblyperson A Kumaresan said this was to restore the people's confidence in the ruling coalition.

"I urge the government to hasten the transition of the prime minister's post to Anwar, which will be a start in restoring the people's confidence in Harapan," he said in a statement today.

"Anwar is the best individual, and he is capable of introducing a solution or new formula to tackle the rising cost of living, as well as planning the Harapan's government future."

Harapan lost Semenyih to BN last Saturday, just short of 10 months after capturing the Selangor seat in the 14th general election.

Kumaresan claimed Harapan's two straight by-election losses – in Semenyih and in Cameron Highlands – was punishment for the coalition's failure to deliver on its promises.

Anwar is supposed to succeed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad after Harapan's second year in government.

However, no transition plan has been made public. Anwar has stressed that he will support Mahathir and give the latter time to carry out his policies.