Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's reaction to recent revelations about the sale of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) shares is pathetic, as he attempts to wash his hands and pretend to be clean.

It is shocking that he and other ministers are suddenly claiming ignorance of the previous administration's actions and decisions. This is a serious failing.

Cabinet ministers are part of the Executive. With this comes the duty and responsibility of governing the country. They cannot claim ignorance or shift the blame to a previous prime minister or cabinet member when old scandals resurface, as is happening.

In the case of national carrier MAS, serious concerns would have been raised when it came to light that a private company paid RM8 per share, at a time when the market value was RM3.50.

Why was a private company permitted to acquire 32 percent stake in MAS? The public has a right to know, because their money is involved in bailouts or other means of financial support of government-linked companies like MAS.

The rakyat does not have access to information and facts, no thanks to the Official Secrets Act and the general lack of transparency in governance, and therefore can say they did not know.

But how can Najib, a long-time member of the Executive who holds a high position in dominant political party Umno, tell us today that he did not have any knowledge of the situation involving MAS?

What about the so-called Project M? Did Najib know about this or was he equally ignorant about these allegation that identity cards were freely issued to foreigners in Sabah?

Najib and premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi were in the cabinet of prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and so, were also responsible for all things done or not done by that government. He is just as responsible for all things done or not done by the Abdullah administration.

It was interesting to note the silence of Najib and other members of the Executive when Mahathir began asking questions. Others are also asking questions about questionable choices and deeds during Mahathir's tenure.

Concept of responsibility

Cabinet members are not meant to be seat- warmers and pak turut (followers).

If the prime minister or cabinet has done something wrong, then ministers - as wakil rakyat - should tell the nation about this and perhaps even resign. Those who do not do so are just as guilty for all the bad decisions and deeds of the Executive.

They cannot remain in cabinet and then, when scandals and failings are exposed, claim ignorance or point an accusatory finger at this person or that.

Abdullah himself cannot now claim that he was not responsible for things done during the Mahathir era.

It is disturbing to note that Najib and other ministers, many of whom served under Mahathir, are trying to be as quiet as possible. They are not now giving the rakyat real answers, let alone telling us what little they know, in response to the legitimate concerns being raised.

An agitated Najib, when asked by journalists on July 6, said : "I don't want to talk about it anymore; I told you whatever needs to be told. Can you understand English or not?"

I find that his attitude shocking. We want to know everything, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, not just whatever needs to be told.

Almost every day, Abdullah and/or Najib tell us this and that via the media. To the critical Malaysian, many of these are just general statements about only what they want us to know - about good things that the government has done or is doing for us Malaysians.

Nothing is said about the failings of the government, and there aren't real or complete answers to questions most of the time.

The most important question that I want Najib to answer is why the government has failed to close the large gap between the rich and the poor, which is shamefully among the worst situations in Asia.

Explain why some national schools still do not even have electricity and toilet facilities, why there is growing unemployment, and why the fruits of development have not even reached many areas in Malaysia.

The cost of fuel and electricity has increased, while real wages, job security and quality of life have worsened.

The issues involving MAS, the crooked bridge and Proton management are really all very small in comparison to issues like distribution of wealth and resources to the rakyat .

As days go by, more failings and scandals come to light. These would never had arisen if we had a good, clean, efficient and trustworthy Executive.

I believe the time has come to get rid of those who were in the Mahathir cabinet and are now in the Abdullah cabinet. It is time to replace them with people who are truly clean, efficient and trustworthy, for the good of Malaysia.

You cannot put new wine in an old wineskin. A total revamp of Malaysia's Executive is the solution.