Political analyst Shaharuddin Baharuddin has dismissed as hearsay a report naming him as PKR'S "top choice" to contest in the upcoming Sungai Besar by-election.

"Just a hearsay. It was never even discussed by Keadilan's top leadership," the associate professor told Malaysiakini.

Shaharuddin said this when asked for comment on The Star's report today that quoted a PKR source who named him as "a top choice" to be fielded against BN.

The source reportedly claimed that PKR's leadership has made a decision to field Shaharuddin, a Tanjong Karang-born Universiti Selangor (Unisel) professor, amid intense speculations over Pakatan Harapan's potential candidate.

Harapan secretariat chief Saifuddin Abdullah, meanwhile, also told Malaysiakini there have so far been no indication that PKR would be the party to field its candidate in Sungai Besar.

"No hints (from Selangor menteri besar Mohamed Azmin Ali) on (PKR) candidate," he said when asked for comment on The Star's report.

Both Saifuddin and Shaharuddin were among those present during Azmin's function in Sekinchan yesterday.

Sekinchan is one of two state seats under the Sungai Besar parliamentary seat, the other being Sungai Panjang.

"I was there as a member of PKR. That's all," Saifuddin (photo) told Malaysiakini.

"Despite whatever announcements made by one or two parties, our (Harapan) focus is still trying our best to avoid a three-cornered fights in Sg Besar and Kuala Kangsar," Saifuddin said.

The Star's report also said that Azmin is currently in talks with Selangor PAS leaders for the Islamist party to make way for PKR.

Selangor PAS commissioner Iskandar Abdul Samad this morning said there should be no dispute over the party's decision to contest in both Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar as it had traditionally done so for several past general elections.

Amid denials by top PAS leaders, Azmin have insisted that negotiations to ensure a straight fight could go on until nominations day on June 5.

The PAS central committee members are expected to meet tomorrow night to discuss matters related to the two by-elections.

Harapan presidential council, meanwhile, is scheduled to meet on Monday to finalise its candidates.