PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali today speculated PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang may not be aware of everything that goes on in the Islamist party, in particular seat negotiations in the upcoming by-elections.

"Sometimes I sympathise with ustaz Hadi. Maybe he is not aware about what is going on in his party," Azmin said in response to Hadi's reported denial on negotiations between PKR and PAS, ahead of the twin by-elections next month.

Quizzed further, Azmin said he had personally met with PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, PAS election director Mustafa Ali and Hadi's political secretary Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

"We met twice...I believe these leaders would have reported to the president (Hadi)," said Azmin.

Azmin also insisted negotiations are still ongoing between PKR and PAS, as well as with other Pakatan Harapan parties, in an attempt to see a straight fight against BN in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar.

On whether he would arrange to personally meet with Hadi, the PKR deputy president said he is ready to do so at any time.

Asked what would happen if PAS insisted on fielding its candidate, Azmin said: "Do not say if because there is still ample room (for negotiations)."

"What date is today? There are still 15 days (before nominations on June 5)," he pointed out.

Azmin yesterday denied a report quoting sources who claimed that he had issued the three Selangor PAS state executive councillors with an ultimatum to resign from their positions by Monday, if the Islamist party insisted on fielding a candidate against BN in Sungai Besar.

This is following reported speculations that Azmin is trying to broker a deal with PAS to stand down in the June 18 polls, to allow PKR candidates to contest representing Pakatan Harapan.

Azmin also reiterated that he have been meeting with all parties, including civil society groups, in order to ensure a victory for Pakatan Harapan.

Best decision

Within Harapan, PKR is in negotiations with PAS-splinter party Amanah that had from the beginning indicated its intentions to contest against BN.

Azmin confirmed that he had met with Amanah top leaders yesterday and listened to their views.

This was based on the grounds that Amanah had replaced PAS in Harapan and as such, should stand in seats contested by PAS during the 2013 general election, as part of the then Pakatan Rakyat federal opposition pact.

Asked for comment, Azmin said: "Of course, they have their arguments to contest in Sungai Besar. I am taking an open stand to listen to their views and come up with the best decision.

"I take this open stand and our differences in opinions as a strength," said Azmin who dodged questions over whether PKR had shortlisted its own candidates for the seats.

The Pakatan Harapan presidential council is expected to meet next Monday to finalise its decision.

The Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar seats fell vacant after the deaths of its incumbents in the recent Sarawak helicopter tragedy.