Former Election Commission (EC) chief Abdul Rashid Rahman has joined Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

At a press conference this afternoon, it was revealed that Abdul Rashid was appointed as vice-president of the fledgling party, whose chairperson is former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Abdul Rashid was not present at the press conference.

Abdul Rashid joined Malay rights pressure group Perkasa in 2003 and was appointed vice-president.

He headed the EC from 2000 to 2008.

The opposition and civil society have often criticised the commission for being partisan in favouring the ruling coalition, and ignoring electoral abuses.

The commission has denied this.

Mahathir's son and former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir was appointed deputy president and former Perak exco member Hamidah Osman as one of the vice-presidents.

Former Langkawi Umno Wanita member Anina Saadudin is 'Srikandi chief' while top debater Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul is 'Armada chief'.

Srikandi and Armada are believed to be the equivalent of Umno's Puteri and Youth wings.

Notable supreme council members include former New Straits Times group chief editor Abdul Kadir Jasin and former PKR Youth leader Zahid Md Arip.

Zahid returned to the spotlight in 2012 when he became the spiritual leader of 'Tolak Individu Bernama Anwar Ibrahim' (Reject Anwar Ibrahim) or Tibai.

There are 14 supreme council members in the party, of whom only one is female.