In his latest blog post, the former minister said he looked forward to working with opposition leaders and that he would do his best for reform and change of government.
He added that since his announcement about joining DAP, he had come under attack by Barisan Nasional and its cybertroopers.
“I am not about to respond to them again. Today, I wish to address my friends and supporters who have their concerns about my new involvement in party politics.”
Regarding their questions as to whether he is a team player and has staying power, Zaid said:
“Of course I am a team player; I would not have lasted 25 years in Umno otherwise, not with all the suspensions and difficult patches I went through with party leaders.
“I also lasted 24 years in the law firm that I built from scratch. I am certainly not a prima donna, as people who know me can attest to. I come from a humble background and it’s not my style to stride about like a peacock flaunting my feathers.
“To those who label me power crazy, I say that giving up a ministerial position, as I did, should tell them a few things about me.”
Zaid said some had called him a “wild horse” following his efforts as a minister tasked with carrying out law reform.
“I was described as a bull in a china shop trying to change the world in 30 days.
“The truth is, I only had a small window of opportunity to carry out my responsibilities. I knew that Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was being pushed out as prime minister, so I tried to do as many things as possible before that happened.”
He said this included pushing for compensation for the judges who had been dismissed in 1988. He was also part of the team that started the framework for the establishment of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, and which worked on the Judicial Appointments Commission.
Adding that he was now more experienced in opposition politics as well as much older, Zaid said:
“I will pace myself. I have a number of good qualities too: I am frank and open with my views, I don’t harbour grudges and I do not scheme or manipulate others to gain position and power. I don’t stab my colleagues in the back. I hope this will assure those who stand by me – I am thankful for your support.”
He also expressed hope that the opposition would be a cohesive and united team.
“I am not promising anything more than that, but I will definitely give my utmost for the cause of reform and change of government.”