Elected representatives will be monitored via an ethics and performance index to ensure that they serve the people, said Barisan Nasional (BN) chairperson Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

Apart from this, he said they will also have to submit a monthly report on their performance.

He added that the ethics and performance index were for all elected representatives, including himself as the prime minister, menteris besar, state assemblypersons and members of parliament.

"The ethics are related to the personality of an elected representative, among others, to distance from corruption, have high integrity and good character," he said in an interview with Radio ERA , which was later reported by Bernama .

Abdullah stressed that the performance index would be the service yardstick which must be achieved by elected representatives.

"Elected representatives must be seen, they must be seen working and meeting the people often," he added.

The premier, who will be defending his Kepala Batas parliamentary seat come March 21, added that elected representatives must work for the people, have plans for them and be people-oriented.

He said they should work with the people and cooperate with the government machinery to provide the best service to the masses.

"Elected representatives must fulfil their promises to the people. Making promises and no follow-up action is not good," he added.

Attitude change

As for the people, Abdullah said they should fulfil their responsibility as voters by going out to vote on Sunday.

"Don't say my one vote is not important and what can it do. One vote can bring about changes, empower and mandate. One vote, one voice, one hope of the people for their future," he said.

The premier said he was worried if voters thought they need not cast their ballots because the BN would win with a big majority in this general election.

Abdullah said among the challenges he faced as the country's leader was how to mould and change the people's attitude.

"We can't have first-class infrastructure but people with third-class mentality," he added.

He said Malaysia wanted to create a culture of high performance and competitiveness among its people.

"We can build buildings but I am more concern with the quality of men inside the building. Is he hardworking? Is he committed to his work?" he added.

On his four months as prime minister, Abdullah said he was grateful to God as he was accepted by the people and party during the period which he described as "encouraging".

He added that the 'Mr Nice Guy' label has also not affected him in carrying out his duties.

"Nice or rough, it is a matter of style to achieve your goal. Being firm is not bad. Taking advantage of a nice man is bad," he said.

He added that he was firm in wanting things to be done without any compromise.

Abdullah took over the premiership from his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad last November.