Johor DAP is willing to discuss forms of cooperation with Umno in that state - if Johor Umno is willing to depart from its present platform.

State DAP chief Liew Chin Tong said in Penang today that his party would work with Umno Johor if it was prepared to champion a fair Malaysia that is free from racism.

"If Johor Umno is prepared to say goodbye to the federal leadership, we are willing to discuss the method of cooperation as Johor Umno  is now seen as distinctively different from the federal level of the party," Liew said at a press conference at the Penang DAP headquarters in George Town.

"There must be room for cooperation, but it must be based on principles, not expediency.

"If Johor Umno is prepared to call for a Malaysia without corruption and call for investigation into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's financial scandal, then we can discuss how to cooperate," he added.

Liew, who is the MP for Kluang, said this when asked if DAP was willing to work with Umno if a revolution, with the backing of the royalty, is launched in Johor.

Liew declined to comment on the Johor royalty.

The Johor royalty has been vocal in issues concerning the country's leadership, and was quick to meet up with Muhyiddin Yassin after he was dropped as deputy prime minister in Najib’s July 28 cabinet reshuffle.

Johor Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin too has openly called on Umno not to remain silent when the party deviates from its struggle to defend certain people in the name of "loyalty".

This is seen as tacit criticism of Najib, who is embattled by allegations of RM2.6 billion deposited into his private bank accounts by an anonymous donor before the 2013 general election.

Following his controversial cabinet reshuffle, Najib has said he prefers loyalists, not intelligent men.

Liew said DAP was not, by offering to discuss possible forms of cooperation with the rebellious Umno Johor, also seeking posts in the Johor government.

"We will remain the opposition in Johor.We do not want any post. Any cooperation with Umno must be based on principles.

"We know what we are championing for and we know what kind of Malaysia we want to see. It all depends on whether Umno Johor wants to move away from its existing platform," Liew added.