Noh Omar welcomes back his 'political teacher'

PETALING JAYA: Selangor Umno chief Tan Sri Noh Omar has welcomed back his "political teacher" Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib with open arms.

On Sunday evening, Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that former Selangor mentri besar Muhammad Taib, better known as Mat Taib, has rejoined Umno.

Noh Omar expressed his happiness at Muhammad's return to Umno, saying that his mentor's presence has "lifted" his spirits.

"I would like to welcome back my political teacher Tan Sri Mat Taib into Umno... his return has lifted my spirit," said Noh Omar in a Facebook post on Sunday.

Noh Omar said that he has known Muhammad since his schooling days, and that it was Muhammad Taib who paved the way for him to become Tanjong Karang MP.

"Even during the times outside Umno, our relationship continued as normal and I have also contacted him to get his views and advice," he said.

Noh Omar said that he had even invited Muhammad to his Aidilfitri open house.

"I myself have invited him back into Umno two years ago," he said.

Noh Omar said he will be discussing with Muhammad on the latter's role in assisting Umno Selangor.

"His presence will provide additional strength to all the Umno machinery in Selangor," he said.

Commenting on Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali's recent "old newspaper" tweet in reaction to the news of Muhammad Taib rejoining Umno, Noh Omar said that Azmin should look in the mirror before uttering such statements.

"They do not use old newspapers but they are worse when they use bad newspapers," said Noh Omar.