A Johor Umno leader who once staunchly defended Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin, now says the party must come before individuals.

Johor Umno secretary Jais Sarday said this when asked if the state Umno was still with Muhyiddin.

"Johor Umno is for party struggle; it is not behind a certain individual.

"Johor Umno prioritises the party," Jais told reporters on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly today.

Jais is the Kluang Umno chief, and his division had previously given Muhyiddin a hero's welcome at their division meeting , days after the latter was axed as deputy prime minister.

"Muhyiddin was invited long ago. That time the issue (Muhyiddin's sacking) just took place.

"What we did in line with Johor Umno. That's why we proceed," Jais said.

He said the top party leaders need to sort out their problems among themselves.

He also said that Johor Umno had no qualms with party president Najib's explanation on the RM2.6 billion donation.