UMNO is “always ready” to face a state election in Johor, says Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The Umno vice-president said it was common for politicians to speculate when the polls would take place as the current term ends in March 2027 in accordance with the Johor State Constitution.

“It is normal for political parties and politicians to make predictions about when the state election will take place.

“With each passing day, we are closer to the end of the term. In Umno, we are always ready for anything,” he said after an event in Kota Tinggi on Thursday.

He was asked to comment on Johor DAP vice-chief Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali’s earlier prediction about the Johor election taking place as early as next year.

Sheikh Umar, who is also former Paloh assemblyman, advised his party to get ready and rally grassroots in preparation for the state polls.

The Johor election took place in March 2022, which saw Barisan Nasional clinching 40 seats, Pakatan Harapan securing 13, including one from its then-ally Muda, while Perikatan Nasional won three seats.