PAS will contest in the possible by-elections in Kuala Kangsar in Perak, and Sungai Besar in Selangor, while its splinter party Amanah is considering throwing its hat in the ring.

The seats have fallen vacant, following the deaths of Kuala Kangsar MP Wan Muhammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad who was also the Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairperson, and Sungai Besar MP Noriah Kasnon, who was the deputy primary industries and commodities minister.

They were among the five passengers in the ill-fated Eurocopter AS350 that crashed in Sarawak on Thursday evening.

PAS electoral director Mustafa Ali (photo) was quoted by Harakah Daily today as saying those two seats were traditionally contested by PAS.

Speaking at a Pahang PAS party machinery gathering, Mustafa pointed out that PAS lost by 399 votes in Sungai Besar.

“In Kuala Kangsar, PAS lost by 1,000 votes. This means that the result in the by-elections would not be the same as in the recent Sarawak state election,” he said.

Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali said Pakatan Harapan was discussing contesting in Sungai Besar. Pakatan Harapan comprises PKR, DAP and PAS splinter party Amanah.

As for Amanah, its president Mohamad Sabu told Malaysiakini that the party will decide on May 15 if it is to contest in the by-elections.

He added that Amanah was waiting for the official announcement by the government.

“The government has not announced the vacancies and we did not discuss it. Whatever it is, we will discuss it on May 15,” he said.