In yet another twist in Kelantan politics, an Umno assemblyperson who was widely speculated to be joining Bersatu tomorrow has denied that he will jump ship.

Gual Ipoh assemblyperson Mohd Bakri Mustapha said this was just pure speculation meant to ruin his name and reputation.

However, he admitted to meeting Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir, and Kelantan Bersatu deputy chairperson Sazmi Miah earlier this month.

"The meeting does not mean I intend to join their party.

"I met the two leaders to ask for aid, such as infrastructure, roads, and homes for the people of Gual Ipoh as 80 percent of the constituents are poor," Mohd Bakri told Malaysiakini.

He said he had never mentioned any intent to join Bersatu during that meeting, and that he was only being nice to help his constituents.

"For example (PAS president) Abdul Hadi Awang meeting Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Does that mean he wants to change parties?

"Furthermore, I had informed Tanah Merah Umno chief Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz of my intentions before meeting them (Mukhriz and Sazmi)," he added.

He said he also met Kelantan Umno chief Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub today to explain the matter.

Mohd Bakri's crossover to Bersatu was supposed to take place at an event in Machang tomorrow.

Earlier today, he told Malaysiakini of his disappointment in Kelantan Umno – especially his division chief – over the handling of party funds.

He had added that he had yet to make a final decision whether to stay in the party or leave.