Noh Omar: Puad's 'low class', I didn't use Najib's name to join Bersatu

Former Tanjong Karang MP Noh Omar has denied using former premier Najib Abdul Razak's name as a "low class" excuse to join Bersatu.

Instead, the reason he joined Bersatu was the long-time disgruntlement with Umno, he said.

"I've long been disappointed with Umno. The party has not changed.

"Moreover, in the issue involving the addendum (for Najib's royal pardon issue), Najib has yet again fallen for the drama and show put up by those around him," Noh (above, right) said on Facebook today.

He was responding to Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi's remark yesterday that Noh was using a "low class" excuse for joining Bersatu, when the former cited Najib as a reason to join a new party.

"Noh is not a die-hard Najib (loyalist). What can he do to defend Najib if he joins Bersatu?

"(Bersatu president) Muhyiddin (Yassin) would rather see Najib in prison. The longer, the better," Puad said.

Wants back Tg Karang seat

Puad further claimed that the "real reason" Noh joined Bersatu was with the hopes of being fielded as a candidate in the Tanjong Karang parliamentary seat which he previously held.

The seat now hangs in the balance after its incumbent MP, Zulkafperi Hanafi from Bersatu, voiced support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

In his response, Noh said if he wanted to, he could have contested the seat in the 15th general election.

"I was offered (to contest) but I refused. Puad said I gave a 'low class' excuse. However, it is Puad who is 'low class' as a state legislative assembly speaker," said Noh.

He added that as the Johor state legislative assembly speaker, Puad should be neutral and stay out of party politics.

"What he often does is make political comments that sometimes border on comedy, hoping that he will remain relevant in politics."

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