KUALA LUMPUR – Former Selangor Umno chief Tan Sri Noh Omar has revealed why he did not vote in favour of the motion tabled during the party’s recent general assembly seeking to disallow contests against the top two positions in the Barisan Nasional linchpin.
Confirming the matter in a Facebook post in the wee hours this morning, the party veteran said he had voted against the proposal as he was concerned about how the move would negatively impact democracy in the party.
He also expressed his worry over how youth voters might distance themselves from Umno if it fails to defend democratic rights, in light of allegations made by youth party leaders claiming they were dropped as speakers at its general assembly.
“Not only are the president and deputy president posts not open for contests, but a speaker from overseas was removed from speaking at the event over the fear of him possibly criticising Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in his speech.
“I was also informed that the Selangor Umno Youth deputy president was similarly prevented at the last moment from delivering his speech as he was believed to be supportive of the top two titles being contested.
“This clearly shows that democracy and freedom of speech has died in Umno.”
UK Umno Club chairman Muhammad Iman Irfan Yahya previously told The Vibes that he was removed from the speakers’ list despite having already attended an earlier briefing session by Zahid.
He added that it was made clear to him that his posts on social media criticising Zahid was the reason behind his elimination.
Following Umno’s abysmal performance during the recent general election, Noh had stepped down from his position as Selangor Umno chief, citing a loss of confidence in Zahid while also calling for the latter’s resignation.
Noh also lambasted that democratic principles in the party appear to have deteriorated, recalling how he was given the platform to speak his mind during previous general assemblies.
“Because of the spirit of democracy and freedom of speech during the 1987 general assembly, I remain supportive and loyal to Umno until today.”
The party’s general assembly on January 14 saw the passing of a motion to not contest the president and deputy presidents’ posts via a near-unanimous vote, effectively securing Zahid’s position in Umno as the party gears up to face state polls in six localities.
The party is due to hold its internal election by May 19. – The Vibes, January 17, 2023
