Wave of shock hits Selangor Umno

KLANG: A wave of shock has swept over Selangor Umno over the news that Tan Sri Noh Omar has been suspended from the party for six years and later sacked.

The former Tanjong Karang MP and Selangor Umno chief, who was dropped in the recent general election, wields a lot of power in the state and has a very strong support base.

When contacted, most Selangor Umno leaders were hesitant to comment although most of them were Noh's compatriots.

Four-term Sungai Burung assemblyman Datuk Samsuddin Lias declined to comment and said that he was going to be “tight-lipped” over the matter.

Shah Alam Umno division chief Datuk Azhari Shaari said the party leadership must have done the necessary before arriving at the decision.

“It is the decision made by the party’s top leadership and we have to adhere to it,’’ said Azhari.

One of Noh’s aides, who declined to be named, said there was a lot of sadness amongst the veteran politician’s aides and supporters but they did not want to say much for fear of ramifications.

“Better not say much or better still, don’t say anything,’’ he added.

Former Selangor Umno chief Datuk Mat Nadzari Ahmad Dahlan said there must be strong evidence backing the party leadership’s decision to suspend Noh.

“Sabotage of the party is something very unacceptable, so if that is the alleged reason, then we cannot say anything about it.

“But if the suspension revolves around his criticism of the party leadership, then it (the suspension) is not fair,’’ said Mat Nadzari, who is Hulu Selangor Umno division chief.

Former Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said the suspension was the right move as it was of paramount importance to uphold party discipline.

“Your seniority or party position does not matter anymore if party discipline has been breached.

“If action was not initiated, it would send a wrong signal to other party members,’’ added Mohd Khir.

Sungai Besar Umno division chief Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos said he hoped Noh would be magnanimous and face the party’s disciplinary board and appeal.

“As Tan Sri’s protégé, I want him to remain in the party for which he has contributed and sacrificed much,’’ said Jamal.

He added that since the decision was made by the party’s supreme council, it represented the party in entirety.

However, said Jamal, this should not be the end of the road for Noh.