Also adding fuel to the speculation was his courtesy call on Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar yesterday. Khaled later shared a photo of both of them together on his social media.

In a Facebook post, Khaled said he was in the constituency, which is held by Pakatan Harapan (PH), to observe the Umno machinery at the Keembong polling district.

Although Johor Jaya is currently held by the opposition, he said Umno members must remain loyal and work hard to ensure Barisan Nasonal (BN) wrests back the seat.

“I also highlighted to MCA that it was vital for them to work diligently and play a role to win back the Chinese voters,” he said.

At the same time, Khaled said he also stressed to party members that BN’s stance was firm and clear in the event of an election.

“Umno through BN will go solo and will not work with anyone who is not with the coalition.

“If we can return to power with a dominant BN, we can restore stability and prosperity to the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khaled denied any ulterior motive in sharing the photo of himself with the Johor ruler on social media yesterday.

“Don’t speculate too much,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

He said the visit was only to discuss recent incidents in the state, including the floods.

In the caption accompanying the photo, the Umno man thanked the Sultan for granting him an audience, saying he had not met him for a long time.

Rumours over the Johor polls started making the rounds shortly after the death of Kempas assemblyman Osman Sapian of Bersatu on Dec 21 last year. It meant the current state government now had a majority of only one seat in the state legislative assembly.