Umno had held to its principles against corrupt leaders better when the party was led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad, according to former Tanjong Karang MP Noh Omar.
Speaking at a forum in Putrajaya yesterday, Noh reportedly said that Umno under Mahathir did not compromise when its leaders were charged with criminal offences in court, where they would be suspended automatically by the party.
He said even senior Umno leaders like Rahim Thamby Chik were suspended by Umno after being charged in court, he said.
However, this did not happen today, added Noh, who was recently sacked from Umno, saying that leaders who are facing trials were allowed to continue holding party positions.
“But today, it has become totally the opposite.
“Those who have court cases continue to hold party positions, even can win uncontested (in party elections),” he said, as quoted by Malay daily Berita Harian.
The former Selangor Umno chief was speaking at a forum titled 'Dialog Sepentas Perjuangan Yang Hilang Bersama Tun M' held at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya.
He was sharing the stage with Mahathir, who is a former prime minister, and former minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Noh, who is a former Tanjong Karang MP, was sacked from the party on Jan 27. He was initially suspended for six years for allegedly violating Umno’s discipline but was given the boot upon his own request.
It is believed that Noh’s remark in the forum was targeted at Umno leaders who are currently facing criminal trials, including party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Noh said the practice of suspending leaders charged in court - even though it was not in the party constitution - earned the party respect from civil servants working in Umno-led administrations.
“But if we look at today’s situation, how can the civil servants respect Umno leaders if those who are facing charges in court continue to lead the party?” he added. - Mkini
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