DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang defended yet again his association with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamed, saying it was for the future of Malaysia.

During his speech at Penang DAP's 50th anniversary celebration, Lim asked the crowd if they supported the party's decision to join hands with Mahathir.

This would also involve working with Mahathir's team, including Umno's splinter Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), led by former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Many of the participants, sitting at the 306 tables at the dinner held at the Spice Arena in Bayan Baru, put their hands up.

"Mahathir and I were attacked by various quarters, especially by the Malay extremists, for sitting next to the ex-PM during the launch of the Citizens' Declaration.

"But we look forward and look to the future," said the Gelang Patah MP.

Lim said by working with Mahathir, he supports a "grand coalition of Pakatan Harapan" to face the coming general elections.

Lim noted that the idea was mooted by Mahathir's son-cum-former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir, who is also Bersatu vice-president.

He added that DAP is also seeking a change of system, including defeating BN and Umno, and not merely trying to unseat Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"I support the grand coalition of the opposition to ensure there is no second Najib," said Lim, to loud cheers from the crowd.

"The people lost hope when Pakatan Rakyat (DAP-PKR-PAS alliance) disintegrated, but we want to create a new hope for the future of Malaysia," he added.

On Thursday, Lim Guan Eng quizzed former Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan over her cooperation with Mahathir on the Citizens' Declaration.

At a conference in Kuala lumpur, the Penang chief minister had asked how Ambiga could reconcile with the former prime minister, given that he is seen as the source of the country's problems.

Ambiga was quick to respond that Guan Eng's own father was able to work with Mahathir.

The question from Guan Eng arose when Ambiga grilled him on why he had failed to implement local government elections in Penang and continued to appoint local councillors along party lines.

"I came home from Indonesia and heard there was a big fight between Ambiga and Guan Eng.

"I checked with Ambiga and was told it was only a friendly encounter between her and Guan Eng," said the senior DAP founder.