The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 – Here is what some newsmakers have to say about the prime minister’s performance in the last 100 days:

“While it is obvious that he is looking at new approaches to resolve long-standing issues, we are still trying to nurture our economy and the same time, attention is being given to distibution. The Prime Minister is looking at good policies but we seem to have problems with the delivery system. But yes, for just a hundred days in office, he has done a satisfactory job.” – Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry

“I am pleased to see some changes in the administration particularly with the economic policies. The liberalisation programmes have provided better ambience for the economy. He has also focused on many other issues affecting the people like education. Many things that have not been done before have been done. If the Conversion Bill is tabled, it would have been perfect. Other moves like the amendment of the Internal Security Act, religious freedom show that he is gearing towards the right direction.” – Datuk Wee Ka Siong, Deputy Education Minister

“I am still not satisfied, there are still many unresolved issues like the petroleum royalty for Kelantan, the independence of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. And also other demands made by the people are yet to be fulfilled such as abolishing the ISA. I did not see positive development in the first 100 days.” – Nasrudin Hassan, PAS Youth chief

“Many questions remain unanswered. He did not start well, there seems to be invisible hands. Dr Mahathir continues to criticise his policies and he has yet to show his strength.” – Salahuddin Ayub, PAS vice-president

“He has yet to clear his name on Altantuya’s case and dispel the perception that his wife has been interfering in the administration as admitted by Lee Kuan Yew who said that the duo work as a team. And Najib, in less than 100 days of taking over, has been criticised heavily by Tun Dr Mahathir for his liberalisation policy, for Petronas and his tainted Cabinet members. I foresee a major split in Umno.” – Datuk Mahfuz Omar, PAS vice-president

“I see him as a man who’s a technocrat and knows how to get things organised to produce the necessary results. As the head executive, he is capable and efficient. So far, he has brought various people together. There’s a sense of achievement and openness felt by the people. But his liberalization of the markets is a 30 per cent removal of the quota for Malays only to be replaced by a 50 per cent quota for Malays. The Equity Nasional Berhad is a new investment arm for Muslims. I look on this new economic model with caution as it seems to go against the spirit of his 1 Malaysia. On the surface, it looks good. But what will be the end result, we’ll have to study a bit.” – Reverend Father Lawrence Andrew, priest-editor of The Herald, a Catholic newspaper

“I think the lack of focus on issues of civil liberties is disappointing. His inaction is a tacit endorsement of what is widely perceived to be a violation of human rights which is not encouraging. On that score, I would rate his first hundred days very low. It has been tainted by apparent abuses, which as a leader he has left unsettled. Key among them have been the politics in Perak, the lockdown of the assembly, which point to abusing greatly the police powers. Rather than dealing with abuses, he has endorsed them. He must remember that he is the Prime Minister; and that it is his problem.” – Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, president of National Human Rights Society (Hakam)

“I’ve not really been following Najib in his first 100 days. He has promised change and I think everybody wants to change. While Obama does it and he can change something, I don’t think he has the credentials. If you yourself are part of that problem, it’s going to be difficult. Can he really reform the judiciary? I am skeptical that he can reform. All of them were appointed by the old regime and he was a part of that. He must not only show his good intentions but he must achieve them. Najib must remember he’s in office not only for 100 days.” – Raja Aziz Addruse, prominent lawyer and multiple-term former president of the Malaysian Bar Council

“His tagline of 1 Malaysia was not as successful as Pak Lah’s ‘don’t work for me, work with me.’ As long as there is official distinction between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera, most people will not take 1 Malaysia seriously. His removal of the 30 per cent bumiputera requirement for KLSE listings will be the more significant highlight of his 100 days. However, most people will tell you that this will have minimum impact on the market. The more significant change is the removal of FIC.” – James Chin, political scientist, Monash University Malaysia

“So far his tenure has been filled with controversy and uncertainty. His dubious 1 Malaysia is a copy of DAP’s Malaysian Malaysia. He should be the prime minister for all but he acts for one race but speaks and sounds as if he is representing everybody.” – M.Kulasegaran (DAP- Ipoh Barat)

“Seems like he has been in power forever, fumbling from one crisis to another. His multiple stimulus packages have not worked, then we have the Perak crisis which is still not resolved. His 1 Malaysia message is at odds with what Umno stands for and we have his attempt to wash his hands of the country’s biggest financial scandal – the RM12.5 billion Port Klang Free Zone.” –Tony Pua, MP of Petaling Jaya Utara

“He is going to be a very effective and good prime minister. Being in the cabinet, I can see he is very proactive, effective and disciplined. His years of experience will stand him in good stead. Malaysia must give him a chance and he will steer the country out of the donwturn.” –  Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Women, Family and Community Development Minister)

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