Following Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi’s announcement today that he will not re-contest the Umno presidency and step down by March next year, Malaysiakini contacted the following groups for their comments on his departure and what they hoped he could do in the remaining time.

Yap Swee Seng, Suaram executive director

This announcement does not change things, since his replacement is from the same system. He should use the remaining time to implement his 2004 election manifesto.

If not he will go down as the prime minister who did not realise his pledges to the people, someone who did not contribute enough to the country. He can use the time available to abolish the ISA, make the ACA independent and give the judiciary its independence.

Ramon Navaratnam, Transparency International Malaysia president

It is a pity for it to end like this. Abdullah came with a strong mandate and was well liked by the people. If only he delivered the reforms he promised at a faster pace, there would have been more support for him. Now, a good man has to go.

In the time remaining he can redeem himself and his legacy by getting the judicial reforms, ACA and police reforms and go after the big corruption cases.

For the economy, he has to improve competition. The inflationary pressure can be relieved by reducing monopolies. The delivery system must get better. Pemudah should have the ability to sack those who are underperforming, just like in the private sector.

If Abdullah shows political will to force his reforms through, people will be sorry to see him go and his support levels will increase.

Ambiga Sreenevasan, Bar Council chairperson

Abdullah should push through the judicial and ACA reforms.

I hope to see the setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) in his remaining time in office.

If he can pull these off in his remaining time in office, it would be a worthy legacy.

Jerald Joseph, Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (Komas) director

I am afraid of what is coming next. Pak Lah’s style allowed for the March 8 general election result to materialise. He allowed for a lot of democratic space which enabled change to happen. His contribution is more stark when you compare him with his predecessor (Dr Mahathir Mohamad).

He should bulldoze through his previous promises - the main three I would see as an accomplishment would be the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC), the implementation of the IPCMC and the repealing of anti-freedom laws.

Anil Netto, Aliran committee member and prominent blogger

Many Malaysians are disappointed with Abdullah since he came in promising a lot, and that was reflected in the landslide win in the 2004 general election. He was about to eradicate corruption, liberalise the human rights scene and reform the police. He was unable to deliver, due to a lack of support.

He has nothing to lose now, he should salvage his reputation by pushing through reforms in the judicial appointments and make the ACA independent.

He has to go through things with complete sense of abandon, or not he will leave as the lame duck prime minister.

Tricia Yeoh, Centre for Public Policy Studies director

Since the whole thing was inevitable, I am not surprised. The development of several events have culminated with this announcement.

I hope that this does not end the reforms he initiated - that would mean the government is throwing the baby with the bath water. So much of what was promised, to create openness, and independent ACA, judicial reform have not taken place, but they have been initiated.

He has to ensure the positives from the 9th Malaysia plan and 2009 budget are maintained by the next team. This can be done by him putting into paper a plan which his replacement can take off with.

Some things need to be expedited, like human right issues, investigating the National Registration Department, exposing dodgy deals and broadening inter-religious dialogue.