I welcome the new line-up of ministers, deputy ministers and parliamentary secretaries. The consolidation of some of the former ministries, and the introduction of new ministries are appropriate with the new focus and emphasis that needs to be given by the new government.

I note that there are a few anomalies in terms of reporting among ministers and deputy ministers coupled with the retention of the four controversial faces that have been the subject of public scorn.

This I will not elaborate as it has been pointed by others earlier. It would suffice to say that we need to accept these changes in good faith subject to the caveat that these appointees must be able to fend for themselves when challenged on fundamental issues relating to their personal integrity, competence and commitment in discharging their responsibilities.

We appreciate that it had not been an easy task for Pak Lah to come up with this line up as it had to meet a balanced score card in terms of the need of the nation and a fair representation of the component parties of the Barisan Nasional (BN). It is also my hope that time will prove that this line-up is in the best interests of the nation.

This warm salutation is given on the understanding that no effort would be spared by Pak Lah to ensure that all of his promises for a clean, equitable and effective government would be upheld. That fundamental democratic rights of the individual and the best interest of the public would be upheld. That the impartiality and effectiveness of the judiciary, and other machinery of the government as a modern democratic state is maintained and defended.

In this connection, it is imperative that the present Election Commission (EC) be given a thorough shake up and revamp. All the existing senior officials must go. Every single complaint made against it must be carefully examined and appropriate action taken expeditiously. Without this commitment it would be difficult for us to endorse the credibility of the new government for long.

The parody of the Mahathir era was to put up a poker face, use ear plugs and wait for the short memory of the public to fail them. One could escape with murder. The representation in the Dewan Negara, the senate, needs also to be reviewed.

It is our duty to ensure that individuals from all significant strata of the society and from major national institutions representing professional, cultural and religious groups with expertise crucial for the development and well-being of the country be identified and appointed as senators. Let us now play the game on a level-playing field.