ISKANDAR PUTERI — In a dramatic political turn, former Bersatu Supreme Council member Tan Sri Noh Omar has announced his immediate departure from the party to rejoin Umno and the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
Speaking after the launch of the Johor BN election machinery at the Educity Sports Complex, Noh stated that his return to Umno effectively nullifies his Bersatu membership, bypassing the need to tender a formal resignation letter to Bersatu’s leadership.
Noh revealed that his decision was heavily inspired by the firm stance of Johor Umno. Specifically, he pointed to a speech by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who emphasized the state chapter’s resolve to contest independently.
“I have great respect for the leadership and principles of Johor Umno,” he said after launch of the Johor BN election machinery at the Educity Sports Complex here yesterday.
The event, officiated by BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was also attended by Johor BN chairman Onn Hafiz, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, MIC president Tan Sri Dr SA Vigneswaran and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk Dr J Loga Balan Mohan.
A turbulent political journey
Noh Omar’s return to Umno marks the latest chapter in a rollercoaster political career that spans decades. Historically, he was a towering figure in Selangor politics, serving as the long-time Selangor Umno State Liaison Chief and holding the parliamentary seat of Tanjong Karang for six consecutive terms from 1995 until 2022.
Throughout his tenure, he also held various federal ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, as well as Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
However, his long-standing relationship with Umno came to an abrupt end in January 2023. Following the 15th General Election (GE15), Noh was sacked from the party due to a violation of party discipline, which stemmed from accusations of sabotaging the party’s campaign after he was dropped as a candidate for his traditional Tanjong Karang seat.
After a period as an independent political figure, Noh officially aligned himself with the opposition by joining Bersatu in July 2024. He was quickly appointed to the party’s Supreme Council, a strategic role intended to help Perikatan Nasional gain traction in Selangor.
His sudden exit from Bersatu to return to his original political home marks a significant shift in the Malay political landscape ahead of upcoming electoral battles. – June 8, 2026