Speaking to reporters after an event here, Zahid said such action includes whether to expel Jailani from Umno or vacate his seat to make way for a by-election.

“I have discussed the matter with Melaka chief minister (Rauf), and I’m leaving it (action against Jailani) entirely to him as the state BN (Barisan Nasional) chairman,” said Zahid.

“Whatever he decides on will be brought to the Umno Supreme Council,” he said when met after a technical and vocational education and training programme here.

Asked whether Jailani’s move would encourage other BN representatives to withdraw their support for the government or join other parties, Zahid said he was confident that no other BN assemblymen or parliamentarians would defect.

Yesterday, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan announced that Jailani had joined the Islamic party.

Takiyuddin also said Jailani would not need to vacate his state seat as he was accepted into PAS in June 2023, a month before Melaka’s anti-hopping laws were enacted.

In other developments, Zahid said the BN candidate for the Nenggiri by-election would be finalised and announced this week.

“Our candidates are from Nenggiri and hold positions in the area. We will choose the best candidate who stands a chance of winning and is accepted by voters,” he said.

Last Saturday, Gua Musang Umno chief Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said Gua Musang Umno had shortlisted three young leaders for BN to select as a candidate.

Apart from Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani, who is the Kelantan Umno Youth chief, the others being considered are Gua Musang Umno information chief Amran Arifin and its Wanita Umno chief, Nor Fadzlete Aryani Mat Rosli.

Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh, also known as Ku Li, has been appointed Umno’s election director for the Aug 17 by-election.