Noh Omar sets conditions for Umno return, rejects cooperation with DAP

SHAH ALAM – Former Selangor Umno chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar has maintained that he will not return to Umno as long as the party continues its cooperation with DAP under the unity government.

While Umno has opened its doors to former members wishing to rejoin, Noh said the current political alignment between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) remained the main barrier to his return.

“I repeat, I am Umno through and through. But I was among those who disagreed with Umno working with DAP. As long as Umno is with DAP, I cannot return. Am I supposed to go against my principles?

“If Umno declares withdrawal of support from DAP in the morning, by noon I will rejoin Umno,” he said in a short video shared with Sinar on Friday.

Noh was expelled from Umno on Jan 28, 2023, by the party’s Supreme Council over allegations of sabotaging the party during the 15th General Election campaign.

Former Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin was also sacked, while Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was suspended for six years in the same disciplinary action.

His latest remarks were seen as a setback to Umno’s efforts to bring back senior and influential figures to strengthen its grassroots support.

Political observers said the absence of several high-profile leaders has had an impact on Malay voter sentiment in Umno’s traditional strongholds, while Noh’s stance reflected deeper ideological differences rather than just unresolved grievances from his expulsion.