CALONKINI | Within the Johor political circle, there is a legend about the late Sardon Jubir's line of protégés being destined for great things.

Hailing from Batu Pahat, Sardon was a reputable Johor Umno leader climbed through the political ranks to become a minister. But having passed away in 1985, the current generation may not have heard of him.

But many would be familiar with his political secretary Musa Hitam, who rose to become deputy prime minister.

Musa's own political secretary Shahrir Samad went on to become a political heavyweight in his own right, having served as a minister under four prime ministers.

Shahrir's political secretary Mohamed Khaled Nordin went on to become the current Johor menteri besar and those believing in the legend now have their eyes set on Khaled's own protégés...