Several developments in recent weeks led to speculations of a rift within PKR, which its leaders have refused to acknowledge or confirm.

However, a pro-Umno portal suggested that the alleged infighting might spill over into the Sungai Besar by-election.

According to MyKMU.net, Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali would be purportedly glad to see Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) defeated in the June 18 contest.

Disappointed that his suggestion to field a PKR candidate for a straight fight against BN was not entertained, the portal claimed he pulled out all the election machinery under his control.

"Whatever excuses PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail gives about the 'loss' of the Selangor machinery under Azmin, it is clear he is prepared to sacrifice the seat...," it said.

The portal also claimed a source from the PKR deputy president's camp revealed that if Amanah candidate Azhar Abdul Shukor won the by-election, it would serve as a boost for Azmin's internal opponents.

Naming PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli, the source said this faction would become "big headed" and might even attempt to remove Azmin in the future.

"Amanah's defeat in Sungai Besar will send a clear signal to the PKR president that Azmin has better political strategies compared to Rafizi.

"If Amanah wins without the help of Azmin's machinery, the menteri besar may potentially face an internal revolt from PKR and DAP.

"Therefore, whether he likes it or not, Azmin must ensure that the Amanah candidate does not get enough votes from the Malays to win," the source was quoted as saying.

The battle for the Sungai Besar parliament seat would witness Azhar battling BN candidate Budiman Mohd Zodhi and PAS’ Dr Abdul Rani Osman.

The seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent Noriah Kasnon from BN in a recent helicopter crash.

In the last general election, Noriah won the seat with a mere 399-vote majority.