DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang hopes that party newcomer Zaid Ibrahim can learn to be a team player.

Lim said he has known Zaid for a long time, describing him as a believer in truthful and honest politics.

"But if he had a defect, it is that he needs to learn to be a team play and not a prima donna," he said in jest, to laughter from those present at Zaid's house in Petaling Jaya today.

"I'm confident we can all learn, and that Zaid can be a team player and not a prima donna."

Lim also said the former law minister would be a great asset in efforts to save the country and make "Malaysia great again".

He said this after noting that many had questioned how long Zaid would remain in DAP.

This is Zaid's third foray into active politics since he was sacked from Umno in 2008.

In June 2009, Zaid joined PKR and was fielded during the Hulu Selangor by-election in 2010, which saw him narrowly defeated by BN's P Kamalanathan.

Later that year, he ran for PKR deputy presidency but pulled out midway, citing fraud, and quit the party.

In December 2010, he formed and led Parti Kesejahteraan Insan Tanah Air (Kita). He quit as Kita leader two years later and has not been actively involved in party politics since.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad hoped Zaid would remain in DAP for a long time.

"I think he should be in DAP for a long time. There are many katak (frogs) in this country.

"This katak behaviour should be set aside when in the opposition," the former premier said.

Katak, in politics, refers to those who jump to other parties.

Zaid said he is positive his relationship with DAP would work out, as they share much common ground.

He also said that he still has a good relationship with PKR, and had invited leaders such as PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution to today's press conference.

"But he couldn't come because of a court case," Zaid said.