As expected, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has won a huge mandate for his five-month old leadership and a victory over Islamic fundamentalists. In yesterday's elections, he also recaptured Terengganu.

The expected swing saw the Barisan Nasional coalition win in a landslide after its 1999 debacle which cost the ruling government and Umno serious credibility damage following the controversies surrounding the sacking and jailing of Anwar Ibrahim.

However, with this win the people have indeed given Abdullah a big stamp of approval for succeeding Tun Mahathir Mohamad who retired in October after 22 years in office.

It also must be stated that BN coalition also wiped out the Parti Keadilan Rakyat and seriously dashed any hope of PAS taking over the nation with their controversial brand of Islam.

No one can now deny that yesterday's victory is a truly overwhelming endorsement of Abdullah's leadership, his brand of economic policies, the fight against graft, his Islamic credentials and his moderate Islamic approach. All these had scored points with the electorate.

With this win, Abdullah has also proven that he is a worthy successor to Mahathir. As such, he has strengthened his grip tremendously on Umno and will face no pressure whatsoever in the party's elections due later this year.

Internationally, the Western world will be comfortable with the Umno's moderate Islam and this will further enhance the premier's international standing and reputation.

The situation is also favorable for foreign investors to firmly include Malaysia firmly in their investment plans.

However, I must warn the victors that they are now expected to initiate their promises and plans for nationwide reforms, which includes the entry of new "controversy and corrupt-free politicians" into the cabinet and state administrations.

The people who have facilitated this massive mandate to Abdullah would expect nothing less than to see to fruition the government's promise and drive to eradicate corruption, spearhead corporate governance and practice a free flowing administration, that is totally accountable to public rights and interests.