Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has officially joined DAP.

"I wish to announce that I have joined DAP," he said at a press conference at his home in Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, Selangor.

He was accompanied by DAP acting chairperson Tan Kok Wai, its parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

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

In his speech, Zaid said he joined DAP because they shared the same principles of responsibility and honesty.

He also said the party had shown it can govern well, and believed it can solve the country's problems.

When asked later whether he was confident his relationship with DAP would work, Zaid replied positively.

"Maybe this time because we have a lot more common issues we will work together better," he said.

He also explained that he joined DAP instead of Bersatu because the latter had enough notable Malay leaders.

He said he was not seeking any positions in the party, but said he was open to being an election candidate if he was offered the opportunity.

"I haven't discussed this but if offered I can stand," he said.

Meanwhile Zaid expressed confidence in his Malay credentials when asked whether he can connect with the Malay grassroots despite being viewed by some as a liberal and an elitist.

"I'm not an aristocrat, I'm a kampung man, my father was a farmer, and I went to a kampung school.

"I'm more Malay than Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. When speaking to Malays I have more credibility than him.

"I can relate to the Malays, whether in the kampung or the city," he said.

He also dismissed the idea that many Malays were in rural areas, saying most of them were now urban dwellers.