Amid claims of a plot to remove Johor Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin, photographs showing him together with state ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar and crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim have been posted on Facebook.
The photos were published on both the menteri besar's page and the Johor Southern Tigers football team page. The latter is often used by the crown prince to express his views ranging from football to politics, sometimes in a subtle manner.
According to a source close to Khaled, the menteri besar and the sultan have a cordial relationship and the two of them go back many years.
"They were both classmates in the Sultan Abu Bakar English college. Their relationship has been tested many times, but it continues to remain strong," he toldMalaysiakini.
On Wednesday, Malayiakini reported that the son of Johor state assembly speaker Mohamad Aziz claimed that there is a plot to topple Khaled.
In a Facebook post, Shukur Mohamad alleged that the person behind the move is a deputy minister from the state acting on behalf of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
He also alleged that there is a plot to oust former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin as the Pagoh Umno branch chairperson.
Since then, numerous Johor leaders have come out to dismiss the claim and express support for Khaled.
Meanwhile, the source pointed out that support for the menteri besar has also been overwhelming on social media.
However, Khaled has remained silent on the matter.
In a related development, an academic also pointed out that the good relationship between Khaled and the sultan would render it impossible for the menteri besar to be replaced..
Furthermore, Universiti Putra Malaysia's Prof Mohd Izani Mohd Zain warned that such a move could prove detrimental to Umno.
Describing Khaled as an asset and a leader with a vision, he reminded Umno that Johor is its fortress and this must be defended.
"The MB is an Umno leader who is rational and caring, as well as vocal in speaking about the future of Umno.
"Umno must retain leaders who do not indulge in too much politicking and posses a strategic mindset for the development of the nation," he said in a statement. -Mkini
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