PUTRAJAYA (Aug 29): UMNO members who have left the party and are serving as independent elected representatives are welcome to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), said Bersatu chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

However the Prime Minister said only former UMNO members who are free of problems with no court cases against them for example, could be accepted.

"Those not involved in court cases will be accepted," he told a press conference after chairing Bersatu Supreme Council meeting here today.

Asked on the number of ex-UMNO members who are expected to join Bersatu, Dr Mahathir said he has no estimated figure.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir hoped the authorities would look into UMNO’s current misconducts.

According to him, when he was UMNO president, the party was banned when three branches failed to convene the party meeting.

“Bersatu was also banned just before the 14th general election last year, but UMNO has committed several offences. yet the party is still accepted and has not been deregistered.

"I am not urging anyone to take action against the party but merely voicing opinions raised in the meeting," he said.