He thanked Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for nominating him to be a member of the PAC, representing the coalition.

“I voluntarily announce my withdrawal as a PAC member, effective immediately, to give more attention to Selangor Umno,” said Noh Omar, who was appointed chairman of the national shipping line MISC Bhd in June.

Noh, who is also Selangor Umno chief, said he had informed Zahid and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Harun of his decision last night.

The former federal minister was among the eight PAC members from the government who were confirmed yesterday.

Apart from Noh, the rest were Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian), Mohd Fasiah Fakeh (PPBM-Sabak Bernam), Yamani Hafez Musa (PPBM-Sipitang), Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu), Lukanisman Awang Sauni (GPS-Sibuti), Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PAS-Pasir Mas) and Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PAS-Sik).

Earlier today anti-graft NGO, the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) called for Azhar to reconsider Noh’s appointment due to a comment he made in Parliament last year.

Noh had said that “stealing is not wrong, only when you are arrested it becomes wrong”.