The next few weeks will see rosy colours been painted on various economic and governance issues, and 'politically-connected columnists' would write all forms of 'feel good articles'.

The reason for this is that parliament is expected to be dissolved on March 5, paving the way for elections.

In the last few weeks, incumbents have been rather busy lobbying to be retained, suddenly visiting their constituents and addressing the many grouses which they have ignored in the last three years. Others are now suddenly organizing press conferences showing they are still 'politically relevant'.

I personally know of some who are busy preparing their election manifestos and seeking photographs and other information of community problems from those of us involved in the community to beef up their election manifestos!

The charade does not end there - we also have party leaders recycling old press statements saying how the party will have over 50 percent new faces of educated men and women, that those who have failed to perform will be dropped and a comprehensive plan undertaken to address grassroots and community problems and woes.

We have heard such promises before.

What these political warlords and gatekeepers fail to realise is that we have an educated and politically-conscious electorate, and that "new faces or educated individuals" does not necessarily translate into a commitment for excellence on the ground!

But it is a fact repeated election after election, where the president's men, or hangers on, would be poised to be retained or nominated for candidacy.

Others lower down the political chain would be made councillors or directors of construction companies with a hand in government projects.

Despite claims that "nominations would be vetted", past precedent clearly shows once a candidate is nominated by the party, no one within the coalition would protest. So a party president's decision goes unchallenged and political domination is entrenched!

But Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has repeatedly stated that his administration would be different from previous administrations.

He has repeatedly emphasized that only those with clean, religious, committed credentials and a proven track record would be endorsed.

Whether this is political rhetoric or a real attempt towards accountability, corporate governance and transparency is left to be seen.

And this is precisely the reason why I am appealing to the premier to be different in the forthcoming election, by reserving 30 percent of both state and federal seats to be filled by professional individuals from outside party politics with a proven track record and commitment to the community.

There are enough precedents outside the country, beginning with our neighbour Singapore, who have adopted such practice.

Here the present Minister of Education and Second Finance Minister are clear examples of such an example.

The nomination and involvement of such individuals, which is indeed radical, would certainly also change the political landscape, providing an urgently needed check and balance to the present nomination exercise of 'party faithful and the president's men'.

Why should the nation be deprived of talented and committed individuals - presently outside political parties - from serving at state and federal levels?

Perhaps this is the real test for premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in the 2004 election.