Johor Umno liaison secretary Samsolbari Jamali said they had not discussed the matter.

“No, there were no discussions on this. It’s just speculation. Everybody has the right to speculate. Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) will continue to work as usual.

“Since the 14th general election, we have continued to work to serve the people.

“Now, we are focused on curbing the spread of Covid-19 and helping flood victims,” he told reporters after a seminar on strengthening the Kulai parliamentary machinery.

Also present at the closed-door programme was Johor menteri besar Hasni Mohammad, who is also the state Umno chairman.

The BN-led Johor government’s majority in the state assembly has been reduced to only one seat following the death of Kempas assemblyman Osman Sapian last Dec 21.

Following his death, the BN-led state coalition has 28 seats, with BN having 16, Bersatu 11 and PAS one. Pakatan Harapan has 27 seats out of a total of 56 state seats.