An aide to Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian confirmed that his boss will be going to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow, but dismissed rumours it is about replacing him as leader of the Johor government.

"Even if the menteri besar wants to meet with the prime minister, it is normal as a preparatory discussion is needed prior to a major meeting," said Osman's press secretary Abdul Hakim Abdul Rahman in a statement.

The major meeting, he said, is the 9th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat next Tuesday.

"There will be a pre-council meeting, delegates meeting and a luncheon in conjunction with the 9th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat in Putrajaya, so (Osman) going ahead to prepare for the meeting is normal.

"Don't believe in silly rumours. At present, there are many quarters who are trying to confuse the public for their personal and political interest," he said.

Earlier today, several sources told Malaysiakini that Osman will be meeting Mahathir tomorrow.

This was amid a Whatsapp message being circulated that Osman would be replaced as Johor menteri besar.

The rumour followed friction between Putrajaya and the Johor palace. Both Osman and Mahathir are in the same party, namely Bersatu.

On Friday, Mahathir (photo) announced that Malaysia was withdrawing from the Rome Statute following objections from various quarters. 

Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim is among the most vocal critics of the treaty.

Tunku Ismail had claimed that the Rome Statute, which governs the International Criminal Court – which only deals with genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression – would threaten the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malays and Islam.

Mahathir had said the move was not because the international treaty was bad, but due to confusion created by "one particular person who wants to be free to beat up people."

"If he beats up people again, I will send the police to arrest him, I don't care who he is," he added.

Mahathir also claimed that there was an attempt to get the rulers to sign an order against him.

Yesterday, Mahathir's successor-designate Anwar Ibrahim, when asked if Mahathir could be referring to any politician, said it was a "particular personality from a royal family".

Anwar said he was certain as he had met Mahathir to discuss the matter.