Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will begin his first full day in office as Malaysia's fifth prime minister on Saturday. Malaysiakini asked 15 Malaysians on what they think should be his top three priorities. Here is what they say.

Malik Hussein, 40s, columnist

1.

Pak Lah has to eat a lot of pucuk pegaga (traditional herbaceous plant eaten by rural Malays to increase memory power) so that he doesn't forget the people and their needs. He has forgotten the villagers. Maybe he needs to tell (his wife) Endon to cook some for him so that he can chomp on it to improve his memory.

2.

Get a new set of advisors. Pak Lah's downfall may not be the result of his own wrongdoings, but because of bad advice from those around him. If he falls, it is likely that he is made to fall.

3.

Don't listen to the Old Man (outgoing prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad) so much, and don't follow in his footsteps. There are many people who resent Umno because the party does not address the needs of youth or attract their attention. This is where Mahathir failed and where Anwar succeeded. Pak Lah has to get the attention of youth, who have to feel that Umno is relevant to them.

Ong, 51, shipping business

1.

The next prime minister should ensure that the economy is not affected by the change of leadership. There should be a smooth transition that does not affect the people's ability to continue with their business.

2.

He should also make sure that justice and equality, in all sense of the words, are promoted and protected.

3.

He should plan for a peaceful, harmonious Malaysia by making sure that there is fairness and justice for all, especially in ensuring that there are opportunities for all ethnic groups.

Mohan, 30s, barber

1.

Strengthen the Anti-Corruption Agency in order to minimise corruption, especially in the public sector. For example, corruption occurs quite frequently in the immigration department.

2.

Concentrate on bringing unity back to all political parties, because at this point there is a lot of bad feeling among them

3.

Education of the young should also be a priority so that future generations can understand and communicate with one another. Spiritual and moral values should be emphasised. He should not, however, allow students to get into politics before their time. Their focus should be on studies.

Azlan, mid-30s

1.

Get rid of deadwood among public servants and politicians. Public servants should remember who they are - servants of the public. They are there to serve the public. However, some who hold a high office think that they are above the people. They should be reminded that they are there to serve the people, not the other way around.

2.

Abdullah should make sure that development (of the country) is spread out along the whole length of the North-South Highway, and not be concentrated in Kuala Lumpur. Most of the benefits of development seem to be within the Klang Valley. It shouldn't be that way.

3.

He should ensure that money allocated for education is spent wisely. Generally, there should be more emphasis on our own values. More specifically, textbooks should be free of errors. The government should make sure that what we are teaching is actually correct and accurate.

George Lee, 51

1.

Make sure that the three main races of the country maintain friendship. We must not be made to fight each other. We should all treat each other equally.

2.

Discipline and morals among the young seem to have declined lately. Pak Lah should work towards improving discipline in schools.

3.

Basically, follow in the footsteps of Mahathir. He has already created a platform for Malaysia in the international arena, don't destroy it. Even a small country like Singapore can make so much noise. Don't let other countries disturb us or drag us down.

'Din', mid-30s

1.

Abdullah should see to it that young people are employed. Not just our graduates, but all of the younger people generally should be able to work.

2.

He should also make sure that the Malaysian economy remains stable, and if possible, he should improve it.

3.

He should make sure that things are peaceful, and that we are able to live with one another harmoniously.

Azbak , 20s, UKM student

1.

Abdullah should give intellectuals more space, more freedom. The young people are really in need of intellectuals who are free.

2.

'Karyawan' (artistes) should also be more able to express themselves and be independent.

3.

Abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA). He should let students be themselves.

Nasrat, 20s, private college student

1.

Abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) and UUCA. With these acts, how are we to fight for our rights? How can we practise democracy?

2.

He should make education more affordable. If possible, it should be free...why not?

There is income tax, property tax, sales tax, housing tax, transportation tax. In this regard, the future looks even more challenging. Yet, my parents still have to pay a lot for my education. I think it is unfair. Education should be affordable for everyone.

Mohd Firdaus, late 20s

1.

Pak Lah should remember the demands expressed during Mahathir's time, such as for the release of (jailed ex-deputy premier) Anwar Ibrahim, protests against attempts to close down Sekolah Agama Rakyat, and other demands.

2.

He should abolish the ISA and release all detainees. In fact, all anti-democratic laws should be abolished.

3.

As prime minister, Pak Lah should redress flaws in the judiciary and legal system. The Election Commission should be made to conduct elections fairly. There should also be revisions to the redelineation process.

Alex, 20s, owner of motor repair shop

1.

It doesn't matter who is in the position of prime minister. The only thing we want is to be able to make ends meet, to survive, stay alive, and earn money. As long as that is taken care of, everything else is secondary.

2

. The government should also be fair to everyone. Abdullah has to ensure that benefits are distributed to all. Being one-sided is very bad.

3.

Continue what Mahathir has been doing. Continue with the objectives of Vision 2020.

Mala, 31, shop owner

1.

Narrow the gap between the races. Right now, the situation is okay. But it can and should be improved.

2

. The next prime minister should also narrow the difference in wealth between the rich and the poor.

3.

There should be more projects for the rural areas. As it stands, many people from the rural areas are migrating to Kuala Lumpur, barely eking out a living for themselves. With the same income in the rural areas, they would be able to save more.

Daud Yazid, 26

1.

He should reform the economic structure and make sure that programmes help the poor. Economic policies should be 'pro-people.'

2.

The education sector should also be reformed and democratised so that more opportunities are given to marginalised groups to participate in the education system. It needs a new vision.

3.

Artistes should have a greater say in the cultural sector and should not be marginalised any more.

'Choong', 40s, litigation lawyer

1.

Do something to encourage local and foreign investors. Pak Lah should also implement fiscal policies so that people feel secure about investing here.

2.

Resolve disunity among the Malays. They are divided mainly around economic issues, with Umno being seen as a tauke (rich and elitist) party that cannot identify with the grassroots any more. It is not just an image problem. Mahathir's and Daim (Zainuddin)'s associates have seen to it that Umno is not seen anymore as struggling for the Malays. This has to be addressed and corrected.

3.

Tackle the issue of religion (Islam). There is a lot of fear among non-Muslims. Some are afraid that their children may later become Muslims on account of the control that some religious zealots have over decisions being made. Whatever policies you want to make for Islam is fine, just make sure that it does not encroach upon the freedoms of non-Muslims. The religious policy should be more accommodating of non-Muslims. What PAS is doing is very disrespectful of non-Muslims. My understanding of religion is that it is a very personal thing, that is between yourself and your god.

Khairul Anwar, late 20s, labour activist

1.

I don't have much faith in Pak Lah. In any case, his first priority should be to pay attention to the concerns of workers. He should not cater merely to multinational corporations, but should give ample benefits to local companies as well. At present. the practice of outsourcing is used as an excuse to terminate the contracts of workers.

2.

The situation of students is also very critical. Does he want students to become strong? The youth are not very happy or content right now. They have no direction. The needs of students must be addressed urgently.

3.

Abolish the ISA, as well as all legislation that is against democracy.

Hishamuddin Rais, 51, film maker-cum-columnist

1.

The most crucial issue that Pak Lah has to address is the tense relationship between his wife Endon and Najib Tun Razak's wife Rosmah. Those two have to be reconciled. If not, things will blow up. Once that issue is settled, then the rest of the country will be okay.

2.

Pak Lah should also focus on losing some weight.

3.

Pak Lah should also get a pair of glasses that stays on his nose. His present pair slides down to a point that he doesn't really know he's wearing glasses at all. He should get a proper set of glasses.

What do you think should be the new prime minister's top three priorities? Write to malaysiakini - editor@malaysiakini.com