SHAH ALAM: Former Selangor Umno chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar has confirmed that he has joined Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) with immediate effect.
The application, said Noh, was made directly online on Thursday (July 4), according to Malay-language daily Sinar Harian.
According to the ex-Tanjong Karang MP, the decision was made due to disappointment over the fate of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who had been unsuccessful in his application to the High Court over the adendum order on his house arrest.
"I am very saddened by the fate of 'Bossku' (Najib), and yesterday (Wednesday), his side failed to challenge the order to serve the remaining prison sentence at home," he said when contacted by Sinar Harian on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the High Court had dismissed Najib's application for leave to commence judicial review over his claims of a royal addendum order by the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong that would allow him to serve the remainder of his jail sentence under house arrest.
Noh said the court's decision prompted him to change his mind and become a Bersatu member, adding that he had already received his membership certificate.
He also revealed that he had met Najib several times in court, during which the former premier advised him to be patient and not to join any political party.
"I respect Bossku's views, whom I regard as a leader who is touch with the people and is berhati besar (generous)," he said.
He added that in his opinion, only Perikatan Nasional and Bersatu could replace Barisan Nasional and Umno.
