Mahathir had previously claimed that PAS would drop out of the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar polls to ensure wins for the ruling coalition.

PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad, in a Malay Mail Online report, rubbished the claim.

“No, (there’s no ploy). PAS has never had a bad record like Dr Mahathir.

“When it comes to ‘Save Malaysia’, he is only politicking for himself. It’s revenge politics. He does not want to bring Umno down, he just wants to push his own people up,” he said.

PAS Youth chief Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz concurred with Idris, describing Mahathir’s claim as outlandish.

“Tun’s (Mahathir) calculations are too far off. PAS is not known for lying. Tun is so used to lying to the people, that is why he can think of such an idea for a lie,” he said.

Nik Abduh also said PAS is openly seeking to replace Umno, and not aid its chances of retaining power.

PAS had previously declared that it would contest in both by-elections, as it had traditionally done in both seats. However, Pakatan Harapan is also looking to field its candidates in at least one of the two constituencies.