PAS has elected not to contest in the Rantau by-election once more, having opted out of contesting the Negeri Sembilan state seat in the 14th general election.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, however, denied the decision was made in order to give way to Umno incumbent Mohamad Hasan to defend the seat.

"No, we had a meeting and we decided not to field any candidate.

"Even in GE14, PAS did not field any candidate there and this time we are standing by that decision...