Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his first official address today vowed that he would continue the policies implemented by his predecessors.

"I assure you that I will continue the policies that have been laid out by the leaders who came before me," he said.

This include Vision 2020, the National Development Policy, the spirit of power sharing, constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy and the separation of powers between the legislature, executive and the judiciary.

His remarks were made in an unprecedented 30-minute motion at the Dewan Rakyat to thank Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who stepped down last Thursday after holding the premiership from July 16, 1981.

Abdullah called on legislators, administrators, the private sector, political parties, the media and Malaysian citizens from all walks of life to "work with" him.

The premier said he chose Parliament for his first official address because he realises the importance of a collective effort by all parliamentarians in building a better tomorrow.

"It is based on this realisation that I have decided to speak in this August chamber to outline and clarify the principles that we have to hold on to together, in our efforts to achieve excellence and glory," he said.

Meanwhile, Abdullah also pledged that the government would not compromise in its efforts to battle terrorism.

"We cannot compromise when dealing with the threats posed by extremism, terrorism and militancy. Therefore, the government's firmness in dealing with these threats must be fully supported to ensure the security and peace of our nation," he said.

Legacy of success

He also said he is grateful that Mahathir has left behind a legacy of success which has "sustained political stability, strengthened national unity, promoted economic development and given meaning to our independence".

Proceedings in the House were adjourned for two hours to allow parliamentarians to debate on Abdullah's motion of thanks.

Eight parliamentarians from the ruling and oppositions parties took part before the motion was passed.

All expressed gratitude to Mahathir for his contributions to the nation over the past 22 years. However, opposition parliamentarians also criticised the former premier for abusing laws to suppress the opposition during his tenure.

MCA president and Pontian MP Ong Ka Ting supported the motion, saying that Mahathir did not neglect the needs of the Chinese community.

MIC president, S Samy Vellu (BN-Sungai Siput) echoed Ong in thanking Mahathir for transforming Malaysia into a developed nation.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong) expressed hope that the new premier would not abuse the Internal Security Act to suppress dissident voices.

"We also demand media freedom....we hope the new premier will ensure press freedom for all the media," said Tan, who is also DAP vice-president.

PAS vice-president and Parit Buntar MP Dr Hasan Ali saluted Mahathir for his dedication as head of the government.

However he also noted that, under Mahathir's leadership, the status of human rights had deteriorated.

"Those in the opposition ranks cannot act freely," he said.

He also said jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim should be given the right to seek medical treatment of his choice.

A motion of confidence for Abdullah was tabled by Backbenchers Club chairperson and Shah Alam MP Mohd Zin Mohamed when the sitting resumed after lunch. It pledged the full support of parliamentarians for Abdullah.

Seating changes

Meanwhile, changes were made in the seating arrangement in the Dewan Rakyat following Mahathir's resignation as prime minister.

The ex-premier will now sit among backbenchers as the MP for Kubang Pasu. He will sit beside one of his former deputy prime ministers, Abdul Ghafar Baba (BN-Batu Berendam).

Abdullah has been allocated Mahathir's former seat, with his own previous seat remaining vacant for now.