Defection rumours of Kedah state assemblypersons are again making their rounds, but this time the target is an Umno man.

Over the past week, text and twitter messages about Kuala Nerang (BN) assemblyperson Syed Sobri Shahabuddin Syed Hashim switching camps seem to have caused him some distress.

syed sobri syed hashim Syed Sobri (left) has, however, denied that he is about to take a leap onto the PAS ship.

An upset Syed Sobri told Malaysiakini that the messages circulating within and outside Kedah was a 'big joke'.

He added that the messages were "funny but not right" because he had never told anyone that he was going to defect to PAS.

"Maybe these rumours came about because I have been serving the rakyat in my constituency as my responsibility is towards everyone, it does not matter whether they are PAS or Umno members," he said.

"Maybe they (those who circulate the rumours) see that I am close to PAS leaders, that's why they spin such a story," he added.

Only last week, the Kedah state government put to rest speculation that four of its assemblypersons, three from PKR, and one from DAP, would defect.

It also ended weeks of speculations that Chief Minister Azizan Abdul Razak would call for early state polls if those defections ever took place.

Too friendly?

But are the rumours based on the fact that Syed Sobri has been seen to be too friendly with leaders and supporters from Umno arch rival, PAS?

Syed Sobri said he had no choice but to participate in programmes organised by PAS as most of the parliamentarians were from that party.

"Even the menteri besar is from PAS, so I have to accept his invitation to attend his functions," he said.

"During my attendance at these programmes (organised by PAS), I have to use the ketayap (skullcap) and baju Melayu (Malay costume) , so maybe that's why Umno is spinning this news," he said.

When pressed on why Umno was targeting him with rumours of defection, Syed Sobri was quick to say that he did not want to speculate on the matter.