Incoming premier Najib Abdul Razak has promised to initiate key reforms under his stewardship, which will begin with a reshuffle of the cabinet after the April 7 by-elections.

Najib is slated to take over the reins from PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon although a date for the transition of power has yet to be announced.

Day 1 - 59th UMNO general assembly He is expected to address the nation after being officially named as prime minister, during which he will unveil his plans and strategies to govern the country and tackle corruption.

This was revealed by his press secretary Tengku Sharifuddin Tengku Ahmad at a briefing for the media in Putrajaya on Najib's opening speech for the 59th Umno general assembly which will commence tonight.

The main thrust of his speech will be his pledge to eradicate corruption and foster greater national unity.

The media, especially the Chinese media, were also urged not to focus on the sensitive issues which are bound to be raised by the delegates during their five-day meet.

Despite the nation gearing up to welcome its sixth premier, there is still some degree of concern over the fact that the outgoing premier has yet to set a date for the power transfer.

However, some expect Abdullah to set the date during the Umno general assembly.

Fears and expectations

Umno, and to a certain extent Barisan Nasional, are looking upon Najib as the force which will return the ruling coalition to the pinnacle of power following the March 8 general election last year, which saw the opposition seizing control of several states and denying their rival a two-third majority in Parliament for the first time in history.

The ascension of Najib has also created a sense of apprehension among certain quarters, who fear that his administration will not tolerate dissent and use strict measures to quell opponents and critics.

Day 1 - 59th UMNO general assembly The incoming premier has also been dogged by numerous controversies, chief of which being his implication in the murder of Mongolian national Altantunya Shaariibuu.

Although Najib has repeatedly denied having any connection with the case, his image had taken a severe beating and his popularity rating has plunged.

Even his mentor and former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad had commented recently: "Legally he has cleared his name (over Altantuya). But whether people will perceive that he has cleared his name or not is something he cannot decide."

Day 1 - 59th UMNO general assembly Mahathir, who had been one of Abdullah’s staunchest critics and seen as being instrumental in his early exit from power, had also expressed a tinge of disappointment with Najib.

"Najib can do well, but we will have to see, because when I asked Abdullah to appoint him as deputy, I had a lot of hope for him but he did not perform the way I expected," he said.

He also acknowledged that Najib has a mammoth task ahead of him in resurrecting Umno, which is seen to be facing a crisis of confidence.