Likening the twin by-elections to wrestling matches, PAS lawmaker Mahfuz Omar claimed his party is learning the moves from Umno, especially on using DAP to net Malay votes.

He pointed how PAS had declared that a vote for Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) was akin to supporting DAP.

In the past, he noted that Umno had used the same tactic to spook the Malays by claiming that casting the ballot for PAS would translate into votes for DAP.

"Looks like PAS has learned many things from Umno-BN in order to gain the support of Malay voters," he added in a hard-hitting media statement.

The Pokok Sena MP said even though Sungai Besar would witness a three-cornered fight and Kuala Kangsar, a four-way tussle, the by-elections seem more like two versus one contests.

He said the by-elections were similar to a three-man wrestling match, where two contenders would first join forces to defeat the third opponent.

In the case of the by-elections, Mahfuz claimed PAS appeared to be teaming up with Umno against Amanah.

"When one has been weakened and removed from the ring, only then the two remaining contenders will fight by relying on their strength, prowess and slyness," he said.

However, Mahfuz questioned if the by-elections would really turn out like a wrestling match and alluded to a possible deal between Umno and PAS.

"At the end of the by-elections, will it really be a wrestling ring or will it turn out to be a friendly contest with the plan being 'one for me and one for you'?” he asked.

Mahfuz appeared to be referring to speculations that PAS would concede the Sungai Besar by-election to BN while the ruling coalition would let the Islamic party take Kuala Kangsar.

This speculation had been raised within Amanah circles based on PAS' move to field Dr Abdul Rani Osman, who is unpopular among PAS conservatives in Sungai Besar while BN named Mastura Md Yazid, who is unable to campaign in Kuala Kangsar.

However, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang denied this and vowed to go all out to win the seats.

Meanwhile Mahfuz said the people would ultimately make their judgement when the results are revealed.

"The rakyat is watching the political game by political leaders. Even though political leaders may deny it, the rakyat are sharp and far-sighted," he said.

Mahfuz said Amanah would face an uphill task in the two by-elections, but noted that God would decide on the final outcome.