DAP national chairperson Lim Kit Siang charged that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has "nothing to show as far as good governance is concerned", after his first 90 days in office.

Despite Abdullah's promise to deliver a clean, modest and transparent government since he replaced Dr Mahathir Mohamad last November, Lim said that not one single "shark" has been arrested for corruption.

In a statement, Lim challenged cabinet ministers to say if they are prepared to declare their assets. He also questioned if Abdullah would get "total and unalloyed support" from the cabinet for his pledge to run a clean government.

"Abdullah continues to be the lone voice in the administration calling for an honest and incorruptible government with little or mere lip-service support from other cabinet ministers or top government officials," Lim said.

"The cabinet has not taken any steps or action to lead by example to convince Malaysians that all ministers have undergone a fundamental change of mind and heart on the corruption issue."

Early this month, Abdullah issued a strong message on a clean, honest and incorruptible government when speaking at the Fifth Public Service Council meeting in Putrajaya.

He called on all political leaders to lead by example in combating corruption, declaring that there will be no place in his administration for political leaders who cakap tak serupa bikin (when actions do not match words).

Hypocrisy

Lim accused political leaders of "sheer hypocrisy" when they tell government officials to behave when they themselves do not uphold good work ethics.

He further criticised MCA president Ong Ka Ting for likening Abdullah to Hai Rui - a politician of the Ming dynasty in China, who was said to be incorruptible and a disciplinarian who had the public interest at heart.

Ong made the reference in his speech at a joint MCA-Gerakan Chinese New Year celebration in Penang recently.

However, Lim pointed out that the comparison was unfortunate, for Hai Rui also represents the classic example of failure when one man take on the system.

Hai Rui was impeached and removed from office after a short tenure, without being able to make any appreciable dent in a corrupt and oppressive system.

Lim said that Abdullah, similarly, cannot succeed in delivering his pledge and will instead be swallowed up by the system "if he is the only Hai Rui in the government".

He added that success can only be achieved if every cabinet minister and government leader sets an example as a modern-day Hui Rui who does not compromise the principles of public service and national duty for fame or wealth.