Gifting the new PM benefit of the doubt ...

for just a 100 days -- we normaly call this the honeymoon -- to prove that he means what he says, and walks the talk. Unlike his immediate predecessor, who also promised the sky, and it carshed down onhim, and the Rakyat, as proven by the past five years.

Desi for one would like to have my doubts cleared about the newly installed prime minister concerning all the clouds hoevering over him -- the Altantuya murder, the Scorpene submarine and Sukhoi aircraft contracts, the National Service programme, ad nauseum... -- and maybe, perhaps, mayhaps, for once we have a nation's Chief Executive deliver on his pledges.

It was a good start, and like the majority of Malaysians, from Yesterday -- when all our troubels semed so "clouded" yet not faraway -- accepted as fait accompli that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has in deed become Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister after newsly installed TUN Abdullah Ahmad Badawi walked off the PWTC Stage as well as the Putrajaya throne -- reluctantly or willingly, only he, the Almighty and mayhaps,Jeanne, know at heart. We wish him sweet retirement, and he rides into the sunset, he might be greeted by former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, riding past with his trademarked smirk on his sunSIRPriseD-face...

From the NST Online:


2009/04/04

A PREMIER VOW... 'No one will be left out'



KUALA LUMPUR: The newly-installed Najib administration hit the ground running last night, lifting the suspensions of two publications, freeing 13 detainees (see page 14) and announcing a review of the Internal Security Act.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in his first address as the country's sixth prime minister, said the decisions were a "move to enhance the confidence of our citizens in those entrusted with maintaining peace, law and order, while recognising the need to remain vigilant of the very real security threats we continue to face as a young nation".

Hinting at a national programme in the motto of "One Malaysia, people first, performance now", the prime minister vowed to "meet the needs, aspirations and concerns of all Malaysians".

"In the coming weeks, I will be consulting with people around our country, as I begin to reshape the leadership and priorities of the government.

"I am mindful that we should build on the successes and lessons of the past. It must be a government with new approaches for new times, a government that places a priority on performance, because the people must come first."

Najib said no one must be left behind in the nation's discourse and agenda.

"We must reach out to the many who may have been disaffected and left confused by political games, deceit and showmanship.

"We must draw on talented people across our nation, regardless of their position or background, to re-energise a passion for public service.

"We must sow the seeds of goodwill and understanding in every corner of this land, so that we continue to harvest the fruits of progress and prosperity for all Malaysians.

****"Today, I pledge that I will work tirelessly to serve all of you," he said.

DESIDERATA: ****After 100 days on the honeymoon riders enter the fading sunset, Desi will pick up pen and writHe about his pledge. May God help us all in our prayers that this PM means what he says. We can't forever be let down, again, and again! ~~ Amen