Jailed ex-deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his reservation on new Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in reforming the deteriorating standard of democracy in Malaysia as "he seems comfortable with the operation of oppressive laws."

He said Abdullah's assurance that he would not change his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad's policies and practices can be taken as an indication that Malaysia may not undergo the reforms it desperately needs to contain rampant injustices and corrupt practices.

"A veteran leader in the Barisan Nasional administration, Abdullah seems to accept the existence of oppressive legislations like the Internal Security Act (ISA), Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Universities and University Colleges Act and many more."

"That being so, is it possible to expand the democratic space in the country?" Anwar asked.

"What is also worrying is his (Abdullah's) earlier statement assuring that Mahathir's policies will continue."

Anwar said this in his comment to malaysiakini and PAS party organ Harakah over the change of leadership when Abdullah took over the country's leadership from Mahathir on Nov 1.

Anwar had been the prime favourite to take over from Mahathir but a political turbulence in late 1998 led to his sacking from all ministerial posts. He was subsequently detained and jailed for a total of 15 years for abuse of power and sodomy.

He claims the charges were part of a political conspiracy led by Mahathir but this has been denied by the authorities.

Solve key issues

Congratulating Abdullah, Anwar said he hoped the former would have the strength needed to ensure that politics are practised in a moderate manner and to "solve several key issues" including restoring public confidence in the judiciary.

"It's hard to predict to what extent Abdullah would be willing to make reforms. But what I am certain of is that the country's institution had suffered damage by the current practice of political patronage that had even weakened Umno itself," he said.

"We don't have to wait for 100 days, as what is practised in America whenever a change of leadership occurs. Abdullah should have already prepared himself."

Anwar also bade farewell to Mahathir adding that the former premier's decision to resign was long overdue.

He said he was also amused with the glorifying reports on Mahathir's "successful administration" as if he had not made a single mistake throughout his 22-year rule.

"This scenario is enough to prove the main defect in his (Mahathir's) administration: public discourse repressed by propaganda. Alternative views and critics are totally prohibited," he said.

Although Mahathir must be commended for his strong and resilient work ethics in creating a robust economy for the country, Anwar said the positive characteristic was marred by his autocratic leadership and his hypocritical statements on issues of justice and corruption.

While portraying to be a champion of justice among developing countries at international podiums, Mahathir had at the same time trampled on democratic rights, jailed his political opponents, refused permits for an independent media and tarnished the judiciary's image.

"No matter how hard he tried to depict himself as a moderate Islamic leader, Muslims can never forget his demeanour when he made fun of Islamic rules, insulted the ulama (religious scholars) and acted cruelly to the people's religious school or sekolah agama rakyat, " he said.

"Yes...happy retirement Tun (Mahathir) and please don't try to disrupt the country again. Time will be the judge whether your administration has been a success or failure!"

Restore judiciary's image

Meanwhile, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) vice-president Tian Chua said Abdullah must show commitment to reforms within the first 100 days in office, adding that his highest priority would be to restore the judiciary's image.

He said among the many things that Abdullah needed to act on urgently is to ensure that the trials and convictions of "victims of political persecution" like Anwar, Mohd Ezam Mohd Noor and Azmin Ali and Irene Fernandes are reviewed.

He said Abdullah must demonstrate his willingness to adhere to the principle of human rights including press freedom and urged the premier to stop using repressive laws like the ISA against legitimate political dissent.

He said corruption and abuse of power has yet be tackled at the highest level of government to make way for a clear and transparent governing system.

"It is of utmost importance for him to undertake the political and social reforms that Malaysians have long been waiting for," he said

"Failing this, the people will lose hope towards the new government and will again rise up to demand change," the Keadilan leader said.