Bersatu Tebrau division chief Mazlan Bujang has been named as the party's new Johor liaison chairperson replacing former menteri besar Osman Sapian.

This was confirmed by the Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad at Putrajaya today.

"I think he has been given a letter of appointment," he told the media after closing a meeting between civil servants and himself as the prime minister, organised by the Public Service Department (JPA).

Several days ago, speculation was rife that Mazlan, who was dropped from the exco last week, would be appointed as the new Johor Bersatu chairperson.

Quoting a source, Berita Harian reported that Mazlan's appointment was an order from the central leadership.

It is learned that the majority of 26 Bersatu division chiefs had agreed with the appointment, while three others disagreed.

However, Johor Bersatu media director Solihan Badri dismissed the rumour that a vote took place during the meeting.

"There was none. It was just a meeting where we were briefed on the instructions by the central leadership and the division chiefs expressed their views on the matter," he told the media.

Mazlan's appointment is a departure from the norm in that the menteri besar would usually hold the position of the state chairperson.

Instead, Johor's new menteri besar Sahruddin Jamal, who replaced Osman, becomes the Johor Bersatu secretary.