In one of the strongest criticisms ever leveled against the PM by a backbencher, a Barisan Nasional member of parliament today said that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has failed to initiate reforms despite making numerous pledges.

Vocal backbencher Zaid Ibrahim (BN-Kota Baru) told Parliament that Abdullah has not righted the wrongs committed by his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Although there is Islam Hadhari (mooted by Abdullah) and his emphasis on transparency, integrity and openness, the premier has yet to make any real reforms.

"This could be due to Abdullah's lack of political support," he added.

He also questioned why the premier, who took over in 2003, lacked the political will to combat corruption and implement the national integrity plan.

"Islam Hadhari goes beyond the way you dress and religion. It should advocate a different political value which defends those who have been victimised or those seeking the truth.

"(Otherwise), what kind of political culture are we pursuing?" asked the MP, who is a lawyer by training and owns the nation's biggest law firm.

Zaid reiterated that Abdullah should undo the wrongs perpetuated by Mahathir during his 22 years in office.

"During his (Mahathir's) time, we saw the creation of instant millionaires, judges were sacked, amendments were made to the Federal Constitution and judicial review to ministerial decisions were removed," he said.

The essence of democracy also gradually eroded under Mahathir's administration, he added.

'Sixth victim'

He warned if Abdullah did not implement the changes, then there would be no difference between Mahathir and him.

"We should not think of their (Abdullah-Mahathir) dispute too much. The political question is not important. What is important is where the government is heading to.

"If we need radical changes, we should do it," he stressed.

Zaid also said he did not want Abdullah to become Mahathir's 'sixth victim'. This was an obvious reference to Mahathir's role in bringing down two former premiers and three of his deputies.

"Mahathir's track record shows that he is a tough leader. In football, he will be a good striker but we don't want to see Abdullah as the sixth victim to be brought down by him," he said.

At one point, a BN MP attempted to interject but Zaid continued after telling him, "Let me finish. I am Melayu mudah lupa ."