There is an uneasy calm throughout the country. The euphoria of the elections is waning. Malaysians are waking up to unprecedented times. If we are feeling uneasy it is because we are in unchartered waters. The BN without a two-thirds parliamentary majority and without control of five key states is a novelty. There are no examples to draw from the past.

People with good track records are needed at the highest levels of government. Whom PM Abdullah Badawi chooses to join his cabinet will be carefully watched. This is no time to be a ‘Nice Guy’. He must recall his time during the National Operations Council (NOC) in 1969. He must remember that what happened to Tunku Abdul Rahman can happen to him. The main actor is still around.

The BN's biggest challenge is to continue to provide national-level cohesiveness. Abdullah has a real mountain to climb. How far he is prepared to go will be reflected in his new cabinet line-up.

Abdullah must also appoint more Sarawakians and Sabahans to his new cabinet. It is time Malaysians realise that they are part of the country as well. Malaysia has to get used to the reality that only the best man for the job will get the post. Do away with rewarding race or component parties. This is a chance to depart from the pattern.

Prominent and respected statesman like Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah should be in the new cabinet. He exerts a moderating influence. He has been outside the cabinet for a long time and if he is willing, should be asked to join the new cabinet.

Shahrir Samad of Johor Bahru should also be in the cabinet but in a very strong position. He should be in-charge of the Anti-Corruption Agency. He must be given the leeway to go after those who are corrupt. Abdullah will remember how the Tun Razak government regained its integrity during the NOC, particularly through the good work of Harun Hashim, who did his duty

without fear or favour.

Former ministers with public perception problems should not be re-appointed. Abdullah should also drop the self-referencing term ‘Pak Lah’. It does not pay to be ‘nice’. If he is to survive, he must be hardest on his own family members. Khairy Jamaluddin, whether he likes it or not, is not an asset at this moment.

The same is true for the opposition. Their state line-ups will be viewed critically. The opposition must also choose strategically whom they want to lead the state. Do not make appointments which are mere window-dressing. These state councillors must be willing to work with those with experience. Together, they will have the chance to create safety nets for the most vulnerable Malaysians. The new rule is one must not only work but also seen to be working.

In the case of Penang, an intelligent person should head the economic portfolio. Gerakan, in 1969, engaged foreign experts. Lim Guan Eng can do the same today. Some very good Malaysians living overseas can also be called upon to help out. Call on people with the correct knowledge and real experience.

The new teams must also remember their election promises. They must talk to the people regarding the creation of an equitable society. The numbers cannot be seen for years but they must continually monitor the situation. They are now in the driver's seat. They will learn the problems that all governments face. They should not treat lightly potentially explosive issues. For the time being, it would be wise to steer clear of religion and race.

Finally, opposition politicians must put their collective fate above personal needs. Yes, some have been lone voices in the previous state governments but they must show the people that they are different from BN. Any form of bickering, no matter how small, even over a potted plant, will be used against them.

They must not forget who controls the mainstream media. They must not forget that the public is recovering from a shock. They must not only hear loud liberal voices. They must not forget those at the other end of the spectrum, those that are anxious that they will be left behind.

If they listen carefully, all Malaysians are telling them that they are fed-up with business as usual. They must not forget that they won on the backs of Hindraf and Bersih. Those demonstrations woke up the middle-classes. They must now prove to other Malaysians that they mean to be different.