The Sungai Kandis by-election next month will see a direct clash between Pakatan Harapan and BN, after PAS decided to make way for BN to contest.

The agreement reached between BN and PAS was confirmed by Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki in a press at Menara Datuk Onn in Kuala Lumpur today.

"At this point, we are informed that it will be a one-on-one contest. PAS is ready to make way (for BN)," Asyraf said.

Later, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said his party's decision not to field a candidate should not be construed as PAS and Umno working together.

In fact, he said, the Islamist party had yet to decide whether to help the Umno machinery in the by-election

"It is not in our plan. We have not thought about it nor reached any decision on this.

"We are not contesting, just like (how we did not contest) the previous by-election in Batu Talam, Pahang. So this does not mean we are collaborating by giving way to Umno, not at all.

"In this case, we decided not to contest and coincidentally, Umno is contesting, so for other reasons.

“We feel that the Selangor state assembly requires another representative from the opposition, so just let one opposition party enter (the by-election)," Takiyuddin told Malaysiakini when asked if PAS would be helping BN's campaign in Sungai Kandis.

However, PAS Syura Council secretary Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh said the party's top body had not yet made a decision on whether the party would contest.

"The issue of candidates has to be discussed by the Syura Council.

"We have not convened to discuss this but we will do it soon," Nik Muhammad told reporters when met at the Parliament lobby today.

The Sungai Kandis state seat fell vacant upon the death of incumbent assemblyperson Mat Shuhaimi Shafiei early this month due to complications from lymphoma.

The by-election has been set for Aug 4, while nominations will take place on Saturday, July 21.

PKR's Mat Shuhaimi obtained 23,998 votes to win the Malay-majority seat during the 14th general election, defeating BN's Kamaruzzaman Johar (11,518 votes), PAS' Mohd Yusof Abdullah (7,573) and PRM's Hanafiah Husin (76). 

PKR is expected to announce its candidate tomorrow.