Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim has made it crystal clear that he has no intentions of rejoining Umno.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) national congress in Kuala Lumpur last night, he said despite numerous attempts by Umno senior leaders to woo him back, he is committed to his role in the opposition.

Since his release from prison last year, there have been speculations that the former Umno deputy president would return to its fold.

However, the PKR adviser laid the matter to rest amid rapturous cheers and shouts of 'Reformasi' from the more than 1,000 people present.

Anwar said Umno had not shown any genuine interest in pursuing a reform agenda despite such a policy being touted as the cornerstone of its president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's administration.

"Pak Lah's anti-corruption campaign was never endorsed by the Umno leadership. Although I do not doubt that there are some divisions and grassroots leaders who are genuine.

"But from my past experience in helming Umno I do not see any serious reform taking place in the party," said Anwar, when asked if he would rejoin the matter if it mended its ways.

Discussions still on

In his speech earlier, he told delegates and party members that he would have discussions with Umno but returning to its fold was out of the question.

"Everywhere I go I would be asked this, whether I would rejoin Umno. And I have said repeatedly that I have no intention to. Again I stress that I would continue discussions (with those within Umno), I'd be lying if I say that there was no discussion. But that does not mean I will join them.

"Discussion yes but joining? No!" he said to the shouts of Reformasi.

At the press conference later, he explained that it was the discussions with Umno which had spurred speculations of him rejoining the party.

"The engagements with Umno members are not limited to my membership. It is also an opportunity for me to listen their grievances regarding the current Umno leadership," he added.

Anwar was sacked from Umno following the allegations of corruption and sodomy against him in 1998.