Johor DAP is ready to face a separate state polls, said its chief Liew Chin Tong amid claims of Umno elected representatives in the southern state being in favour of this.

In a media statement, Liew said Johor DAP saw this coming as early as May, and had created an election preparation committee with the aim of completing constituency-level election preparations by the end of 2016.

Yesterday, it was reported that Johor Umno elected representatives had expressed their agreement for a separate state election.

Among others, it is seen as move to prevent Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) - led by former Johor Umno leader Muhyiddin Yassin - from becoming a major electoral force.

BN, for the first time, lost its two-thirds majority in the state when Jorak state assemblyperson Shahruddin Salleh from Umno was appointed as Bersatu secretary-general.

Meanwhile, Liew cited two reasons for Johor Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin to hold snap polls.

The Kluang MP claimed polls and feedback from the ground indicated an almost "universal disdain" for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak across ethnic, gender, occupation lines in Johor.

"Johor Umno is fully aware of the negative perceptions towards Najib and the potential electoral fallout as a consequence," he said.

Secondly, Liew said despite Johor Umno boasting about its strength, the party is however rattled by Bersatu and Muhyiddin.

"There was a discerning psychological panic among Umno leaders following the departure of Shahruddin from Umno, which caused BN to lose its two-thirds majority in the state assembly.

"Johor Umno is hoping to call a snap polls before Bersatu is able to create waves," he added.

Liew, who believes that PKR and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) are also prepared to face a state polls, said the opposition must "puncture the myth" that Johor Umno and the menteri besar have delivered as a government.

"In the weeks and months to come, we will challenge Khaled on policy fronts which the state government has let the people down such as public transport, water management, a potential property bubble, housing crisis, unequal development between Iskandar and central/northern Johor, environment and other issues.

"Johor politics is in for interesting times and we in the opposition will do our best in winning the hearts and minds of Johor voters. And, as we are all aware, winning Johor is crucial for the battle of Putrajaya," he added.