Umno purge: Selangor leaders stay mum over Noh Omar's sacking

Photo: Bernama

KLANG: Selangor Umno leaders have chosen to remain silent over their former boss Tan Sri Noh Omar’s suspension and eventual sacking from the party.

A party leader and elected representative, who declined to be named, said the state 22 Umno divisions have all decided to throw their support behind party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“We are of the belief that the party is more important than individuals as leaders come and go but Umno will always be there to represent us," he said.

He explained that all the state’s Umno leaders had shown their unanimous support for Ahmad Zahid during the recent annual general meeting.

He said only a few branches in Tanjong Karang were probably behind Noh currently due to their loyalty to the six-term MP.

Another division chief said all his counterparts were minding their own business as they did not want to be involved in Noh’s conflict with the party leadership.

“We don't want the party to be divided, more so with the state elections around the corner.

“We expected this to happen when the conflict between Tan Sri (Noh) and the party leadership started when he (Noh) was dropped during the general election," he said.

Sungai Besar Umno division chief Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos said he was saddened by what has happened.

“I wish Tan Sri (Noh) had been rational and patient and not demanded that he be sacked.

“But maybe he had had enough and wanted an exit and that is why he asked to be sacked," said Jamal.

He added that although he was very close to Noh, he understood that party interest was far more important than individual interest.

Jamal said that he had contacted his state party colleagues and all had opined that Noh’s conduct during the general election had not been good for the party.

Meanwhile, academic Prof Datuk Dr Ramlah Adam said there was a silver lining behind Noh’s departure.

“There are many people in the division who had stoically worked for Noh and campaigned for him over the six terms that he was MP.

“Now they will all have a chance to expand their horizons," she said.

Noh was not reachable for comment.