Johor Umno said it will abide by the party supreme council's decision to sack former deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir.

According to Bernama, Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Umno Johor lauds the decision as most apt, and the state abides by the decision.

Khaled said the expulsion was a result of disciplinary action, and urged Umno members to accept the decision and be rational.

"I believe that the decision did not come as a shock to anyone, especially to those involved.

"The cornerstone of any party is discipline, and what has kept Umno strong all this time is the question of discipline.

"What more, acts such as appearing with and conspiring with the opposition," he said at a Ramadan event in Bandar Seri Alam, Pasir Gudang today, reported Bernama.

Last night, Umno president and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced the sacking of the duo and the suspension of vice-president Mohd Shafie Apdal at a press conference after the party's supreme council meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

Khaled also called on the Pagoh division to remain "rational" and see the development as a "test" to strengthen the party and the struggle of the Malays.

When asked of readiness for a snap polls, he said Johor Umno is ready to face any challenge.

Muhyiddin, 69, was Pagoh MP since winning the seat in the fifth general election in 1978 and Pagoh Umno chief since 1986.

Mustapa: Sacking in 'public interest'

Meanwhile supreme council member Mustapa Mohamed the sacking was aimed at restoring discipline among party members.

He said the move had to be taken to safeguard the common interests of the party and to serve as a warning to any member so as not to commit a breach of discipline in the future.

"We have a law, in which no one can be spared from facing any action. If there is no discipline, then the party will be doomed.

"(So) in order to maintain public interest, stern action should be taken.

"It shows that we love the party, we want to restore discipline and give a warning to those who commit a breach of party discipline.

"We are an organisation with rules and regulations, no one is spared," he said in Kota Baharu.