A number of the older party chiefs in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition should step aside for younger members to join Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's new cabinet.

"Such persons as MIC's S Samy Vellu and Gerakan's Lim KengYaik , who because of their age, should make way for younger members who has greater stamina in carrying out their duties," said professor Hussain Mohamed, a political sociologist with the Universiti Malaya's Department of Anthropology and Sociology.

He told malaysiakini that the new blood will also contribute significantly to the new cabinet by introducing fresh ideas.

"Besides being young, they are also better qualified," said Hussain, who said that there is a ready pool of fresh talent given the high number of fresh faces elected in last Sunday's general election.

Abdullah, who won the elections with an overwhelming nine-tenth majority, is expected to announced his new cabinet tomorrow.

"The new cabinet must comprise experienced and not-so-experienced politicians. After three years, Abdullah should re-shuffle the cabinet again. This will ensure the cabinet is refreshed and revitalised," Hussain said.

More women

The university professor would also like to see more women in the cabinet.

"Previously, there were three - namely Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (women and family development minister), Siti Zaharah Sulaiman (national unity and community development minister) and Rafidah Aziz (international trade and industry minister)," he said.

"This time around, I hope to see the number raised to five in view of gender equality."

Hussain also raised the issue that Terengganu has been under represented in the cabinet with only one full-time minister and two deputies.

"The situation has been like that as far as I can remember. It puzzles me as to why this is so. Why are there so many ministers from Pahang and Perak to the point of them being over represented.

"I would like to see more full ministers from Terengganu in the coming cabinet," he said.

The ruling coalition wrestled the state from PAS this time around.

Hussain echoed the opinion of many observers that only those who are untainted with allegations of corruption and wrongdoings be picked for the new cabinet.

"Otherwise, the prime minister's credibility will be tarnished," he warned, adding that only a cabinet which is unsullied by allegations of impropriety can safeguard Abdullah's image of 'Mr Clean'.

Change needed

It has been reported in the media that several new ministries will be created

There are presently 25 ministries and according to Hussain, that number is too many.

However, he said that the re-organising, refreshing and revitalising the cabinet structure is needed in order to move with the times.

Hussain also said there are some overlapping of functions in key ministries and this should be remedied.

He cited the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and International Trade and Industry as an example where their functions in investments and marketing overlap each other.

The government's policy-making process is another area which required changes.

Hussain said Malaysians are today well-educated and as such more critical thinking is needed when drawing up policies.

"Professionals and certain non-governmental organisations should be involved when making policies as these people are well aware of the needs and wants of the people.

"By getting them involved, policies that safeguard the people's welfare can be ensured," he said, adding that the some of the better opposition members should be roped in as well.

Leaner cabinet

Meanwhile, DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang urged Abdullah not to increase the size of the cabinet.

"I am alarmed at press reports that the Abdullah proposes to increase the cabinet size from 30 with four additional Ministers," he said in a statement.

Instead, the veteran politician said that the premier should have a "leaner, smaller and more professional" cabinet.

"It will reflect adversely on Abdullah's pledge for a committed public service to have a bloated and flabby Cabinet, where some 40 percent of the 219 members of parliament sit in the government front-benches as ministers, deputy ministers and parliamentary secretaries," he added.

Lim said that Abdullah should start his promised reforms by cutting down the number of ministers, deputy ministers and parliamentary secretaries to not more than 25 percent of the total of 219 BN MPs.