Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants to improve his performance so that people will no longer have a wrong impression about him.

"Back then there were those who said I was soft, now (they say) hard. Then, I was 'nice', now 'not nice' anymore. But what is important is that we make decisions that are fair to all," he said.

The premier was speaking to some 5,000 civil servants in Alor Star, Kedah. Employing a football analogy, Abdullah stressed on the importance of teamwork and cooperation.

The premier, who took over the reins in 2003 from Dr Mahathir Mohamad, entered office amid high public expectations and the sounding a clarion call against corruption.

Among others, the soft-spoken leader was described as 'Mr Nice' and 'Mr Clean'. He also led the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition to its biggest ever election victory in 2004.

Nearly three years on, he is now being bombarded with allegations that range from cronyism to lack of focus. Worse still, his predecessor has even accused him of selling out the country.

Critics have also flayed his family, namely his businessman son Kamaluddin and 31-year-old son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin.

Some have gone to the extent of calling Khairy, who is also Umno Youth deputy chief, as the country's de facto prime minister and the power behind the throne.

However, Abdullah has stressed that he is not being influenced by any quarters and that he has the final say when making decisions.

Don't speak to the deaf

Meanwhile in his Alor Star speech, the premier said civil servants should not run down their colleagues but work as a team to develop the country.

Similar to football, he said teamwork is vital and every player has an important role to play.

"In football, the objective is to score goals. Don't steal the ball from a friend's feet," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

According to Abdullah, civil servants, as a team, should ' protect' their teammates and not criticise or run them down.

For example, he said if work is delayed because an officer is absent, then the rest should pitch in and solve the problem without forcing the customer to wait.

Abdullah also said there is no need to be rude or shout as this will put off people.

"No need to thump the table until it breaks. Speak with the right tone but don't speak to the deaf...," he added.