Several opposition parties today congratulated new premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but predicted tough times ahead, especially in trying to fit the shoes of his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad who retired Friday after 22 years in office.

Abdullah is the country's fifth prime minister.

DAP deputy chairperson Karpal Singh said both men were "diametrically opposed personalities".

"However, given Abdullah's long experience in government, he should be able to be an effective prime minister," he said in a statement.

Release political detainees

"(His) first option of considerable priority would be to improve the country's human rights record which is wanting in material respects.

"He should, as prime minister and home minister, seriously consider releasing all political detainees in the country forthwith." He said Mahathir did that when he took office in 1981.

The veteran lawyer-politician also urged Abdullah to repeal the Internal Security Act and all other preventive detention laws in line with high public expectations.

DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) assistant national publicity secretary Ashvin Raj said Malaysians were eagerly waiting to see what the new prime minister had in store to address the shortcomings of Mahathir's policies.

"We would urge Abdullah to be his own man and come out of Mahathir's shadows to restore public and international confidence in key state institutions, including upholding accountability, transparency and the rule of law.

"He should not cause any undue delay in announcing the policy changes he intends to introduce."

Dapsy also wanted Abdullah to ensure judicial independence, freedom of association and assembly, end media censorship, free ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim to restore justice and democracy, and to promote women's rights.

Judiciary, police and media

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) said Abdullah should immediately address important unresolved issues he has inherited in a democratic way based on justice, truth and equality.

Party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her deputy Dr Syed Husin Ali cited the judiciary, police and media as the three pillars of democracy that Abdullah should reform urgently.

"The new PM should take this opportunity to effect change on these institutions and ensure that their integrity and independence are restored," they said in a joint statement.

"Abdullah is highly qualified in Islamic studies and a descendant of famous religious scholars. We pray that as prime minister, he will promote and practice the basics of justice and love taught by Islam and all other religions in the country."