Johor UMNO is as strong as ever despite a prophecy that it will split into factions following the suspension and dismissal of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as UMNO deputy president.

Johor UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the prophecy was totally out and nothing of that sort had happened.

"Johor UMNO is the same as before. We were not born yesterday, two days ago or three general elections ago.

"Even though we had gone through a lot of turbulence and challenges since last year, our members have remained united," he said when opening the Kota Tinggi UMNO division delegates' meeting at Dataran Sedili Besar, Tanjung Sedili, here today.

The ceremony was officiated by UMNO president and Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Mohamed Khaled said Johor UMNO was established way before the birth of the nation at a time when the country was struggling for independence.

"For a political movement as mature as this, it has its own extraordinary strength. More so this is UMNO's birth place."

He said although Tan Sri (Muhyiddin) was a great Johor leader and had contributed much, Johor UMNO respected his decision to choose a different path.

"The party must carry on with its tasks and focus on those who choose to remain loyal with us."

Johor UMNO was not just about a Malay political party or Malay institution but the driving force behind the progress of the Malays which had given rise to a national awakening.

He said it was due to UMNO and the national awakening that has made Malaysia a great success today.