Its president, Abdul Hadi Awang, told reporters outside the Parliament building here today that both were local candidates, and expressed confidence in securing the two seats which were left vacant after the death of their incumbents in a tragic helicopter crash earlier this month.

“The negotiations are over. PAS has made a decision to contest.

“God willing, we will win. We won in Arau with a majority of 1,000,” said Hadi in reference to the 1998 Arau by-election where the party took over the seat that was once a Barisan Nasional stronghold.

Hadi also said he was not aware of nor involved in any discussion with Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali of PKR over the fielding of candidates in the twin by-elections despite an earlier announcement by the latter that PKR was in talks with PAS over the issue of avoiding any three-cornered fights.

Haid however refused to answer if PKR was pleased with his party’s insistence to contest the seats come June 18.

“Ask PKR if it is satisfied or not,” was all he said.

Opposition pact Pakatan Harapan (PH) has repeatedly cautioned against any three-cornered battles as the split votes for the Opposition would only benefit Barisan Nasional.

However, PAS and PH’s component party, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), have both insisted on contesting the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar seats. Amanah meanwhile stated it was normal for the party to contest any seat that PAS contested.