Former Malacca chief minister Mohd Adib Mohamad Adam has joined Bersatu.

Adib, who served as the fifth chief minister of Malacca from 1978 to 1982 before being succeeded by Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik, submitted his membership form at a Bersatu event in Sungai Rambai last night.

He submitted the form to Bersatu supreme council member Abu Bakar Yahya, who is also Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's political secretary.

The handover was witnessed by Malacca Bersatu Wanita chief Azalina Abdul Rahman.

Azalina was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying that Adib does not intend to return to politics, but was merely joining Bersatu as a sign of support for Mahathir.

"Jasin is a place which has many Umno political veterans.

"His intention is to create awareness and encourage others to also join Bersatu to strengthen the party in Jasin," she was quoted as saying.

Adib, 77, held the information and rural development portfolios during Mahathir's first tenure as prime minister.

Azalina said during the event last night, some 580 other members also submitted their applications to join Bersatu.