Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's appearance at the upcoming UMNO general assembly this year-end would only invite negative perceptions among party members.

UMNO Supreme Council member, Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said it would be better if the former premier was not invited to the general assembly, seeing that he had attended the Bersih 4 rally on Saturday.

"It's better if he is not present at the upcoming general assembly. His presence would only create negative perceptions among party members.

"Our struggle is different now and he (Dr Mahathir) is seen to have conspired with the Opposition," Tajuddin told Astro AWANI when contacted.

Last night, Dr Mahathir and wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali surprised many when they made an appearance at the Bersih 4 rally, which had been deemed illegal by authorities, at Dataran Merdeka.

The couple’s arrival was met with a rousing welcome by the crowd who took the opportunity to snap photos with them.

Meahwhile, when asked if UMNO would strip Dr Mahathir’s of his UMNO membership or ban him from attending any party-related events, Tajuddin said: "We don't need to ban him…it's not our job to ban or legalise a person."

The UMNO Supreme Council meeting is expected to be held on Sept 9.

Several news portals had previously reported that the party membership status of UMNO deputy president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would be decided on that day.

In May 2008, Dr Mahathir had left UMNO following his dissatisfaction with the leadership of then prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

But in April 2009, Dr Mahathir announced that he was rejoining UMNO after Abdullah resigned from his post and was replaced by Datuk Seri Najib Razak.