After 22 years, another chapter closes in the annals of Malaysian history with the resignation of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the ascension of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, or Pak Lah, as the fifth prime minister.

With this changing of the guard come new hopes, aspirations and expectations from all Malaysians.

But perhaps before we bombard our new prime minister with all sorts of wants and demands, let us first give him some room to breathe.

Power and authority are like a wild stallion - hard to control, harder still to master - and so it might take Pak Lah some time to get used to exercising his authority. Some have expressed worry and doubt as to his ability to lead Malaysia.

He has always taken a back seat and played a minor role in many events. This is due to the fact that he was only the deputy prime minister. Had he tried to play a more aggressive and dominant role in government, it may have resulted in friction with Dr M, thereby resulting in another unacceptable scandal at this level.

Now that Pak Lah is in the "front seat", Malaysians can rest assured that there will be changes, be it major or minor in administration. Perhaps we may even see changes in politics, the economy and society.

It will take time for a newly appointed leader to get used to his new surroundings, find his own leadership style, and get to know the civil service and the people.

He will then understand and evaluate the tasks and problems facing him, before deciding on the best course of action.

Once we put our confidence in Pak Lah's new administration and after the period of adjustment is over, there is no reason why we shouldn't expect all forms of achievements and successes from the prime minister's office.

For just as Dr M's reign was filled with great, grand but not necessarily good achievements, so too will be the case with Pak Lah.

Congratulations and a warm welcome Pak Lah, may you take Malaysia to even greater heights.