Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin has rubbished rumours of possible snap state polls as mere "chit-chat among people in a chat group". 

"I am not part of the group and it does not involve me. We have no such intention," Khaled was quoted as saying, when asked for comment on the rumours reported by The Star earlier today.

Among others, it was reported that several Johor Umno assemblymen as well as Opposition members were in favour of holding snap polls in the state.

This was based on a supposed discussion in a mobile chat group of Johor Umno leaders comprising division heads, MPs and assemblymen.

The Star also quoted Pulai MP and deputy home minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed as saying that he supports the idea as he believes that Umno would perform better in separate state polls.

"Johor is the last bastion of Umno, we are ready to take it to the test," Nur Jazlan reportedly said.

Johor DAP chief Liew Chin Tong, in a statement earlier today, also said that his party is ready to face snap polls.

Johor's reputation as a traditional Umno stronghold has come under scrutiny following the recent formation of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, under the leadership of Pagoh MP and former deputy prime minister, Muhyiddin Yassin.

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

Muhyiddin is believed to yield considerable influence among Umno grassroots in Johor, where he was once the menteri besar.

He was sacked in July last year as deputy prime minister following his criticisms on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's handling of the 1MDB scandal.

Muhyiddin's Umno membership was revoked during that same month.