Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) is prepared to contest in the upcoming by-elections because PAS appears to be aiding Umno-BN, said Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub.

He added that Amanah, which comprises former PAS leaders, is willing to represent Pakatan Harapan in both the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar polls.

“We have been consistent in opposing the cruelty of Umno.

“But when PAS appears to be giving breath (memberi nafas) to Umno-BN, we cannot agree with this, and therefore are determined to contest,” he said.

Yesterday, Amanah communications director Khalid Samad urged PKR not to waste its time holding discussions with PAS because the Islamic party would not budge from its position.

He said that PAS is confident of winning both the seats on its own strength without assistance from others.

However, PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said there is still room for negotiations.

Previously, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man called on the opposition parties to back his party’s candidates for the June 18 by-elections.

Meanwhile, Khalid had also disclosed that Amanah has short-listed its president Mohamad Sabu, Salahuddin, former Perak menteri besar Nizar Jamaluddin for the Sungai Besar seat.

Selangor DAP has also thrown its support behind Amanah to contest in the Sungai Besar by-election, warning that party grassroots may end up voting for BN if the opposition was represented by PAS.