PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the absence of her deputy Azmin Ali at the announcement of Pakatan Harapan's candidate in the Sungai Besar by-election was because he needed to take care of the Selangor government of which PAS is a part.

“We know that PAS is still in the Pakatan Harapan government which was previously elected by the rakyat (as Pakatan Rakyat).

“That is why the party decided that this is a parliamentary election and Azmin, we know, needs to take care of his government,” she told journalists in Sekinchan tonight.

Wan Azizah was quizzed on the Selangor menteri besar’s absence at the announcement where Parti Amanah Negara’s Sungai Besar chief Azhar Abdul Shukur was announced as the coalition’s candidate.

He will go against PAS’ Abdul Rani Osman and BN’s Budiman Mohd Zohdi.

Elaborating further, Wan Azizah said this matter was explained to other Harapan partners and they understood PKR’s decision for Azmin to stay away.

“We understand it, he (Azmin) is in a position where he needs to maintain the Pakatan government first.

“We discussed it yesterday and the others (DAP and Amanah) knew and understood.

“Tonight, I am here to represent Pakatan Harapan. Azmin is the menteri besar,” she said.

Azmin had been absent from public functions in Sungai Besar after negotiations with PAS for a one-on-one contest fell apart.

He was in London for his daughter’s graduation but had since returned to the country.

Harapan unveils Amanah’s Azhar Shukur for Sg Besar by-election