It appears that the opposition might be embroiled in another three-cornered fight in the forthcoming by-elections, following PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man's statement that the Islamic party would not back down.

Tuan Ibrahim also called on the opposition bloc to be united and to support the PAS candidates.

His stand comes amid a report that Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali purportedly issued an ultimatum to three PAS executive councillors to resign if their party insisted in contesting the Sungai Besar by-election instead of making way for a candidate from Pakatan Harapan.

Tuan Ibrahim revealed that PAS has formed a central committee and operations centre for the by-elections.

"PAS' target is BN, the objective is to topple BN to send a message on behalf of the people that they reject the ruling coalition.

"There is no turning back from this objective," he said in a media statement.

PAS, Tuan Ibrahim said, urges the opposition to stand together with the PAS candidates to send a clear signal to Umno and BN, especially Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, that opposition parties are willing to set aside their differences for the future of the people and nation.

Litmus tests for the prime minister

"Otherwise, the opposition must be prepared to witness a lose-lose situation whereas Najib will continue to smile with joy," he added.

The Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections are considered litmus tests for the prime minister with regard to the allegations against him.

In the last general election, BN won the two parliamentary seats with small majorities against PAS candidates.

However, a three-cornered fight would split votes, and brighten the prospects of Umno to retain the seats.

In the recent Sarawak state election, DAP and PKR clashed in six seats, and lost all of them.

Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim noted that with the by-elections slated for June 18, there is less than a month left to win the hearts of the voters in conjunction with the month of Ramadan.

"In line with the spirit of Ramadan, PAS will only focus on preparing the election machinery to win both contests," he said.

The by-elections were called following the deaths of incumbents Wan Mohammad Khairil Anuar Wan Ahmad (Kuala Kangsar) and Noriah Kasnon (Sungai Besar).

The two were among six people who died in a helicopter crash during the campaign period for the Sarawak state election.