I want to congratulate malaysiakini on its special report on Aceh's new governor Irwandi Yusof. Hardly a month in office and he is already proving to be an effective leader who is most certain to steer Aceh into an era of good governance.

His challenges are unenviable - post-tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation and well as post- conflict related problems.

When I called on him recently ( photo ), I found him to be not only deeply concerned but extremely knowledgeable in the psycho-social implications on the population that has suffered a 30-year conflict.

As a director of a medical humanitarian organisation, I was deeply impressed with my interaction with him.

His 'man for the masses' and a no-nonsense style of administration is quickly gaining admiration from the Acehnese and international agencies including diplomatic circles while Jakarta watches anxiously.

I wish Pak Irwandi and his administration every success.