KUALA LUMPUR – Former Selangor Umno liaison committee chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar’s announcement he was joining Bersatu may come as a shock to many, but political analysts say it was an expected move as the former party stalwart strives to remain relevant in the current course of the country’s politics.
Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun agrees that Noh might have a vested interest in joining the Malay-dominant opposition party to contest under a Perikatan Nasional (PN) ticket in his former constituency of Tanjong Karang, where he served as an MP for 27 years until 2022.
“In general, he (Noh) needs to make himself politically relevant.
“But this ultimately depends on Selangor PN chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
“If he (Azmin) would like the party to win back this seat, then Noh has a bigger chance. But Azmin may also not like to have a political heavyweight join his state as a potential competitor,” Oh said.
In Malaysian politics, if you find yourself in the political wilderness, it’s crucial to stay visible and relevant, like maintaining your position as an MP, he added.
Win-win for both Bersatu and Noh
Universiti Teknologi Mara political analyst Abdul Aziz Azizam said Noh’s switch to the opposing side is not driven by any hidden agenda but is simply political manoeuvring.
“I don’t think it has to do with a hidden agenda. It’s just politics. He’s looking for a ‘home’ and Bersatu is welcoming. If it is to be contested, it is a win-win situation.
“I think Bersatu would definitely allow it. The bigger the name, the better it is for them. Bersatu is made up of former Umno leaders,” he added.
When asked if Noh is desperate to remain relevant and remembered in the country’s political realm, Abdul Aziz said, “I don’t think it’s desperation, it’s really just political survival.”
Noh had previously said he had joined Bersatu because he was disappointed that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Rajak could not serve the rest of his prison sentence under house arrest.
The former six-term Tanjong Karang MP said Najib previously advised him not to join another party after being sacked from Umno and that he had followed the ex-Pekan MP’s advice out of respect for him.
He also expressed hope that other Umno leaders disappointed with Najib’s situation would follow in his footsteps.
“I think he’s implying that the current government is not good, and he’s looking for another outlet in the opposition.
“It’s not really to directly help Najib, but it is under the narrative of the need to kick the government out for ‘justice’,” he said.
Noh is still an important figure in national politics
Noh joining Bersatu has elicited various reactions from many parties, both opponents and allies, and this shows that he is still a significant figure in national politics, according to International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) political science lecturer assoc prof Syaza Shukri.
“There was not much surprise when he announced joining Bersatu. This is because we know that the soul and aspirations of Noh Omar are genuine towards the struggle of the Malays and firmly uphold the priorities of the Malays until he was expelled by Umno.
“Hence, as Bersatu is a party that carries almost the same aspirations as Umno, and at this time, there are not many beneficial and suitable choices for Noh other than choosing Bersatu,” she added.
Furthermore, Syaza said that Noh’s participation not only benefits Bersatu but also enhances Noh’s own standing in terms of PN’s capabilities.
The current Tanjong Karang MP, Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi, along with five others, Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), and Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), have been fired from Bersatu after declaring support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.
They argue that they were sacked and did not leave the party, therefore, they did not violate the anti-hopping law.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul is expected to announce his decision on whether their seats will be vacated next week. – July 7, 2024