Pas is determined to contest in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections in June.

Its president, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said the Pas Syura Council has approved the names of the candidates who will be contesting in the by-elections.

Their names will be announced, he added.

Abdul Hadi is confident that Pas stands a good chance of winning the by-elections, thanks to its strong grassroots support.

“We cannot force (other parties to contest). We possess strong grassroots,” he said.

The two by-elections are being held following the deaths of Plantation Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister and Sungai Besar MP, Datuk Noriah Kasnon and Kuala Kangsar MP and Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman Datuk Wan Muhammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad, in a helicopter tragedy in Sebuyau, Sarawak on May 5.

The Election Commission fixed polling for both seats on June 18 with nomination day being set for June 5 and early voting on June 14.