DAP will continue to back the Citizens' Declaration and work with its prime mover, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, despite the eight-page letter penned by jailed PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim cautioning against this.

"Yes, but we will (continue with) reserve," DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua said when met at the Parliament building today.

Pua was responding to Anwar's letter to PKR leaders, which warned of the dangers of working with Mahathir.

Anwar, who was sacked as deputy prime minister and jailed during Mahathir’s time in office, also expressed concern that PKR leaders and party apparatuses might be used to serve Mahathir’s agenda.

Pua said many Malaysians shared Anwar's reservations.

"This is a normal reaction. Besides Anwar, many members of the public are suspicious of Mahathir. Just like they doubted Anwar joining the opposition force many years ago.

"His concern is rational, as we are concerned, too. We fear that we are being used (by Mahathir to further his agenda)," he said.

'We may garner more support'

After weighing the pros and cons, he said, DAP felt it has more to gain by working together with Mahathir, particularly the new market - BN supporters - brought by Mahathir.

"The key point is we are able to touch BN supporters via Mahathir. We can use his influence to get in touch with a larger crowd," said Pua.

"And we have the opportunity to explain to BN supporters about our stand, so they will know Pakatan Harapan better. And, we may garner more support," he said.

In the letter, Anwar had allegedly claimed that the Citizens' Declaration was flawed and inconsistent with reform perspectives.

He had also warned PKR leaders about the pitfalls and dangers of working with Mahathir and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin.

Anwar also cautioned that PKR leaders and party apparatuses might be used to serve their agenda.

To illustrate his point, Anwar, who is serving a five-year prison term, also quoted the words of Shakespeare: “The serpent that did sting, now wears the crown”.

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