Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will not bar Umno members from participating in the red shirt anti-Bersih protest.

"I think that is the individual rights of Umno members," he said.

Speaking at the Prime Minister's Office today, the deputy premier said the protest is being organised by an NGO.

"The NGO will also invite Umno," he added.

Meanwhile, Zahid ( photo ) who is also home minister said the government will not get involved with the rally.

"The government has no opinion on this.

"We will leave it 100 percent to the police to take action, especially to give a permit and to carry out enforcement if the permit is given," he said.

The red shirt rally on Sept 16 is meant to protest the allegedly racist and Chinese-dominated Bersih 4 rally.

Among those who have voiced support for the demonstration are Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri, Federal Territories Umno Youth chief Razlan Rafii and Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal Md Yunos.

The rally's mysterious organiser plans to muster 300,000 people for the protest.