JOHOR BARU: Umno members have a responsibility and role to return Johor as the party’s shining pillar once more, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

       In a Facebook post on Friday (Jan 21) night, the Umno vice president, who is also Pasir Gudang division chief, said he was overseeing the party’s machinery preparation and readiness.

       “As an experienced and tested party, Barisan Nasional has a track record in managing Malaysia to be able to drive the country's stability and prosperity,” he added.

       The former Johor mentri besar said for that reason, it was very important for Barisan to get back the full mandate from the people.

       “Whatever the case, Pasir Gudang Umno is prepared to win the Johor Jaya and Permas state seats,” he added.

       Speculation on whether Johor will be heading into a snap polls is expected to be decided with state Umno calling for a meeting later today.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad, who is also the state Umno chief, would be chairing the meeting, to be attended by all 26 division chiefs at the state party headquarters here.

       According to a source, the main agenda will be on the state election, which is speculated to be held soon and the party’s preparations.

       “The meeting is to finetune our machinery to make sure everything is in order before the state election, which is likely to be held very soon.

       “The meeting will also discuss seat allocations and finalise the list of candidates before being given to the party president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi),” the source said.

       The Umno-led government has a simple majority with 28 seats against Pakatan Harapan’s 27, while one seat was left vacant after the passing of former mentri besar Datuk Osman Sapian, who was Kempas assemblyman, on Dec 21.

       Currently, the state government consists of Umno (14), MIC (two), PAS (one) and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (11) while the opposition comprises DAP (14), Amanah (six) and PKR (seven).