I turned down Bersatu’s offer to contest in last GE, says Noh

July 13, 2024

I turned down Bersatu’s offer to contest in last GE, says Noh

SHAH ALAM: Former Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar said he spurned an offer by Bersatu to contest in the last general election, when again denying claims he was “power hungry” after joining the opposition.

Noh revealed that he was offered a chance to defend the Tanjung Karang seat, a parliamentary constituency he represented for six terms, after he was dropped as a candidate by Barisan Nasional.

“I was offered by Bersatu to be its candidate, but I turned them down. I also rejected the offer to be a candidate in the state election.

“If I was really power hungry I would have contested (under the Bersatu banner) long ago. But I have principles,” the former federal minister told FMT.

Noh joined Bersatu earlier this month, more than a year after being sacked from Umno for reportedly sabotaging the party.

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He revealed that his disappointment over former prime minister Najib Razak’s failed bid to serve the rest of his jail sentence for corruption under house arrest was among the factors that led to his joining Bersatu.

His decision to enlist however led to accusations by former Umno Supreme Council member Tajuddin Abdul Rahman that he was an ingrate and power-hungry. Noh denied these claims on Friday.

Meanwhile, Noh said he has no plans for now to stand in any election, including the opportunity to reclaim Tanjung Karang, citing his age.

He said he would be nearly 70 by the time a general election is held.

“It’s better to take it easy when you’re that age and give way to the young,” he said, though he did not rule out any possibility of making a comeback, especially if Bersatu wanted him to contest.