The battle for Batu Pahat became a focal point when one of Umno's staunchest defenders Puad Zarkashi was unexpectedly dropped as a candidate, prompting veiled threats that he would contest as an independent.

However, this anticipated showdown fizzled out as Puad didn't turn up on nomination day.

Nevertheless, eyebrows were raised when the Batu Pahat Umno chief said his decision to pull out was on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's advice.

Locals have interpreted the royal factor differently, with those who are Umno members keen to see it as a plus point for the party, while others take on a different perspective.

An Umno veteran, who wished to be known only as Karman, said the Johor monarch's advice to Puad would tap into Johoreans' loyalty to the royal family.

However, Karman, who is not a fan of Puad, said this doesn't mean support for the disgruntled division chief.

"It (the royal advice) is an advantage for Umno. But don't misunderstand this, for the people don't hate Umno, they hate bad leaders," he told Malaysiakini.

Johoreans have an intricate relationship with their royal family, who are quite vocal and are often lauded for speaking up for the people.

"If the sultan came to Batu Pahat, you could fill a stadium with supporters," trader Abdul Rahim Abdullah said.

A 20km drive south of Batu Pahat city, in the small rural town of Senggarang, it is evident that support for the monarchy is strong even among non-Malays.

"We love the sultan, because he loves us," a local, who wished to be known as Teh, told Malaysiakini.

However, support for the royal family does not appear to be absolute when it comes to their views in politics.

When asked whether the royal advice to Puad would influence his vote, Teh said "50-50"

"It would make me think, but I wouldn't follow 100 percent," he said.

When the question of whether the advice to Puad would benefit Umno, Teh's friend Ong exclaimed loudly, "The sultan is strong, not Umno!"

Puad was replaced as BN's candidate for Batu Pahat by the division's Wanita chief Haliza Abdullah (photo above).

He claimed that he was dropped because of corrupt practices in selecting candidates, a system which he has vowed to fight against.

After being dropped, Puad also resigned as Special Affairs Department (Jasa) chief.

In the last general election, Puad suffered a shock defeat when he lost the seat to PKR's Mohd Idris bin Jusi by a 1,732-vote majority.