Kelantan PAS did not short list any of Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's 10 children as its candidate for the Chempaka by-election.

This was confirmed by Kelantan PAS deputy commissioner I Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah today.

"The three candidates (we have short listed) are locals from the Chempaka constituency... They are all males and consists of ulama and professionals.

"The three of them are not Nik Aziz's children," said Mohd Amar, according to Bernama.

Mohd Amar said the short list has been submitted to the party's central committee for a final decision.

Previously, several media reports had speculated that Nik Abduh - the most politically active scion of Nik Aziz - would be fielded.

Currently, Nik Abduh is the Pasir Mas MP.

Nik Aziz passed away on Feb 12. The by-election would be held on March 22. Nomination is on March 10.

Umno has stated that the party would not be fielding a candidate.