Rafizi Ramli has denied he will contest the Rantau state seat following the Election Court's decision that a fresh contest be held.

Speaking to Malaysiakini this afternoon, the incumbent PKR vice-president also trained his guns on those aligned to deputy president Azmin Ali.

“That's a lie spread by people from Azmin's camp.

“(There is) no truth whatsoever (in the claim). Meant to spite me,” he told Malaysiakini in a text message.

Rafizi, who contested against Azmin for the PKR number two post, reiterated that he would not take up a public office for now.

According to him, PKR should field Dr S Streram again for the Rantau seat.

“Streram had worked so hard to service the constituents there. He was victimised when he was stopped from filing his candidacy.

“The best person to stand in Rantau is Streram. And I will campaign hard for him,” he added.

Over the past week, there was talk of Rafizi being fielded for the seat and that he would replace Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun.

In the last general election, former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Mohamad Hasan had retained the seat uncontested after Streram was not allowed to file his nomination papers on April 28.

This morning, the Election Court in Seremban, which heard Streram's challenge, nullified the result.

When met during the PKR Youth congress, Azmin's allies and defeated PKR Youth chief candidate Dr Afif Bahardin suggested that Rafizi should propose someone from the Youth wing for the by-election.

"If Rafizi declines to contest in Rantau, I think he can suggest fielding a candidate from the Youth wing," he told a press conference, which jointly attended by new PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasir.

"I do not rule out the possibility of Youth Wing nominating (a youth) candidate, but the consideration should be given to Streram as it was his election petition," said Akmal.

"The rumour that Rafizi is contesting is meant to divert attention, it’s mischievous (though)," added Akmal, who is also Johor Bahru MP.