One of the pictures showed former Sabah Umno chief Hajiji Mohd Noor, who is Sulaman assemblyman, Karanaan assemblyman Masidi Manjun and Beaufort MP Azizah Dun, among others, posing with what looks like a PPBM membership form.

However, Masidi declined to confirm when asked if the group had joined PPBM.

“As of now we are still independents… no one has filled in the form yet,” said the former Sabah Umno secretary in a text message to FMT.

He did not respond when shown the pictures which had gone viral.

Former Semporna Umno division chief Ramlee Marahaban also said they were still independents, adding that they would make a move as a group if they were to join any party.

Former Libaran division chief Juslie Ajirol also declined to comment if the pictures were taken today and would only say that they were taken in Kota Kinabalu.

“No one is serious about joining PPBM yet, that was just for play. It was just a short meeting and over coffee. Coincidentally, I was there,” he said.

Meanwhile, Klias assemblyman Isnin Aslianih responded with a laugh when asked if the group had joined PPBM.

He urged the public not to speculate on the matter, adding that Hajiji would make an announcement “very soon”.

Hajiji, however, couldn’t be reached for comments.

The group comprising five MPs, nine assemblymen, two senators and over a dozen of other Sabah Umno division heads left Umno last Wednesday.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said PPBM would not be spreading its wings to Sabah despite the mass exit of Umno leaders in the state.

Mahathir, however, said the people in Sabah can join PPBM but did not elaborate.