I refer to the report ' Pak Lah says he passes 'first week test' as premier ' in malaysiakini .

Within a week, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the premier of Malaysia has already indicated that his administration is going to be different.

He has immediately reminded the nation that he wanted leaders 'to work with him and not for him', to tell him the truth, to initiate specific policies to address problems and finally, that he desires "sincere friends, not apple polishers".

His appeal on these and other matters, were also reinforced over RTM's 'Bersama Perdana Menteri' programme.

Unfortunately, his advice has fallen on deaf ears on all three counts, both at the federal and state levels.

A day does not pass without advertisements costing an average of RM18,000 and more, put up by politicians, political parties, state governments, statutory bodies, individuals and members of the business community, praising the new premier.

If this is not a classic example of "apple polishing", I do not know what is!

It is as if, they have failed to read his straight-forward comments, instructions, emphasis and direction of this new administration.

It is as if they are testing whether his public comments on the new administration's style in dealing with corruption, issues pertaining to corporate governance, accountability and transparency are really serious or a "public relations stunt".

And so, here, we have a dilemma, and the onus is on Abdullah to show clearly that he means business.

And he needs to begin this process with his ministers, menteri besars, chief ministers, the politicians and their hangers on, the business and corporate communities, who are fast making "adjustments of various forms and kinds" to ensure, that, they will continue to maintain and enjoy "the fruits of previous patronage".

And this, is exactly where, the rot must be addressed.

After 22 years, a new breath is being blown, new commitment given, a dynamic paradigm shift indicated, and an expectation and hope given to the millions who want a positive mindset and administrative change.

It would be foolish, for anyone to think that Abdullah is unaware of the various "symbiotic relationships" between the policymakers at the federal and state levels and the private sector. Or the "involvement" of policymakers in business and corporate mergers and takeovers, through proxies.

This abuse and "conflict of interest" situation must be addressed and, what better time, than, at the beginning of the tenure of the new administration.

The nation is expecting a general election soon, where the premier is expected to get his mandate from the people.

In the past, there has been no critical examination of candidates been selected or put up by the Barisan Nasional component parties. In the past we have been rather "cordial and relaxed" and gave this responsibility to leaders of component parties to select their candidates, based on their own "selection criterion."

As a result, the quality of the candidates have been rather suspect and the system, abused to the core. It is time, that individual credentials and background be examined, rather than whether one is a "president's man".

The opposition realises this and has made "drastic changes" with new candidates. They seem to be candidates with impeccable credentials, at least, in the last election and in several by-elections so far.

We must do likewise.

It is also obvious that one of the issues that will be hotly discussed will be corruption, since Abdullah has already stated that this will be seriously addressed.

It is therefore, best and in the Barisan National's interest, that several "senior leaders" both at federal and state levels, be asked to retire gracefully to show the seriousness of this administration to be different, since their "lifestyles and the official remuneration of their office" cannot be reconciled!