Dissecting Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's defence of his 18-month leadership, Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang today said the premier appears to be a mere prisoner of the present political system incapable of effecting radical and far-reaching changes.

"Abdullah's defence of his premiership last night suffers from the malaise of his stewardship - good intentions not backed up by deeds...," he said in a press statement.

Crediting the premier for acknowledging that there were dissatisfactions and exasperation over his leadership, Lim however rebuked him for claiming that this was limited to 'parts of society and foreign commentators'.

According to the veteran politician, the dissatisfaction is widespread and increasingly becoming a new national consensus.

Speaking at the Harvard Club in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Abdullah conceded that malaise and inertia continued to be a problem in certain sectors and the pace of reform slow.

However, he added that it was not as mirthless as suggested by some as significant progress had been achieved over the months and there was more to come.

"I am committed to realising the promises made in the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto before the general election last March.

"These were solemn promises, not made in the heat of electioneering, but rather after careful thought about what needed to be done for Malaysia," the premier told his audience.

Unimpressive speech

While one daily termed his speech as 'arguably one of his most important' since coming into power, Lim was far from impressed.

"Abdullah should take serious note that his speech, which should have a powerful and electrifying effect on the nation has not captured the imagination of the people unlike his earlier speeches," he said.

Commenting further, Lim said: "What is most disturbing is that while Abdullah talks bravely about 'First World' mentality, he is prepared to acquiesce in the 'realities of the world' and tolerate and accept 'Third World' and even 'Fourth World' standards, illustrated by the 'leaking' Parliament scandal, allowing the works minister to dismiss it as a 'small problem'..."

Last week, the roof of the Dewan Rakyat - which had been recently refurbished for a whopping RM85 million - sprung a leak during a thunderstorm, forcing the last day of the sitting to be called off as members clamoured for shelter.

Meanwhile, Lim said the premier also talked about 'greater space for expression in the press and civil society' but ignored that there has been little change to improve press freedom under his administration.

He cited the 2004 Reporters Sans Frontier (RSF) Worldwide Press Freedom Index, which ranked Malaysia 122 out of 167 countries. This was a fall of 18 spots from the previous year's ranking.

He also pointed out that a New York City-based think-tank Freedom House had placed Malaysia 152 out of 194 countries in its Global Press Freedom Ranking for this year.

Lim said while the premier had referred to the setting up of a royal commission to collect complaints and suggest ways to improve the police force, the government has failed to publicly release in toto the commission's report, which was submitted to the King and Abdullah last week.

As for corruption, the opposition leader said the premier citing that corruption-related arrests had increased in 2004 as compared to the previous year does not impress following Malaysia's dismal ranking in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index.

He added that there is no evidence of any political will to wipe out corruption, especially among the high, powerful and mighty.