Former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan will not be joining the new Malay party to be registered by former Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin.

In a statement today, he said he was not "politically ambitious" and could still fight against corruption without being in the party.

He also stressed he would always stand by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

When contacted, Khairuddin said he had never planned to join a party led by Muhyiddin.

However, asked if he would join under Mahathir's leadership, Khairuddin told Malaysiakini: "I would support it 1000% and be the first to register."

Mahathir had previously announced the formation of the new party to fight against BN and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Yesterday, Muhyiddin revealed he would be submitting the party's registration forms to the Registrar of Societies (ROS), instead of Mahathir as some had speculated.

Khairuddin denied there was a rift in Mahathir's camp, and said his relationship with Muhyiddin was "okay."

"I just don't want to be restricted in my struggles... I'm more comfortable championing the cause outside the party.

"I don't want to be restricted by the Umno mindset – not allowed to say this, not allowed to say that."

Khairuddin said he has yet to inform Mahathir of his decision and will be doing so in a face-to-face meeting at a later date.