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.