New Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in remarks published today he believed he had passed the "first week test" as premier.

Abdullah, who took the helm from Dr Mahathir Mohamad who retired Oct 30 after 22 years in power, said in a television interview late Monday that he realised people still make comparisons between him and Mahathir.

Although their leadership styles differed, he said their objectives were the same - to create a better future for the people and the nation.

"I feel somewhat satisfied that the actions I have taken so far look good. Based on newspaper reports, they seem to give the view (that I have) passed the first week test," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

Abdullah, who faces an impending general election seen as his first test in power, said he needed staff to provide truthful information on the ground and not "apple polishers" giving glossy stories.

"If it is wrong information, then my response would also certainly be wrong. This could cause losses and chaos," he was quoted by the News Straits Times as saying.

"But if friends just say this person supports me, that person is with me but all is false talk and merely praising, then this is not right. Things like this do not bring any good, especially in the context of what I need to accomplish."

Change in style

Polls must be called by late 2004 but Abdullah has signalled that it could be called earlier as he seeks to win his own mandate from voters.

Abdullah, who has no economic background, has taken over the powerful finance ministry portfolio left vacant by Mahathir, at least temporarily, and retained his post as home minister.

Sources said this was normal procedure to temporarily fill the gap until he announces his new cabinet line-up.

Abdullah, who has a reputation as "Mr Nice Guy", is not expected to make any radical changes to Mahathir's economic and social policies, at least in the short term, but he is quieter and less confrontational than his predecessor.

His first week in power has shown a change in style from the outspoken and confrontational Mahathir, with reports focusing on his call for the people to "work with me and not for me". - AFP