Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups gave Abdullah Ahmad Badawi an 'F' today for failing to implement genuine reforms in his first 100 days as the country's fifth prime minister.

On Nov 13 last year, a grouping of 60 organisations had submitted an 11-point wish list, asking Abdullah to address immediately social, economic, political and democratic reforms - none of which have materialised.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) executive director Cynthia Gabriel noted that NGOs want the tenure of the prime minister and chief ministers to be limited to two terms in office, and for local councillors and senators to be elected.

"But it is regrettable that there have been no changes or even discussions in this area," she told a press conference at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur today.

Human Rights Society (Hakam) secretary-general Elizabeth Wong said Abdullah had failed to repeal draconian laws and restore the independence of the judiciary.

Wong said that, despite protests by the international community, Abdullah had failed to release Malaysia's most famous prisoner, Anwar Ibrahim, who is serving a combined 15 year jail term for sodomy and corruption.

Abolish ISA Movement secretary Yap Swee Seng urged Abdullah to abolish detention without trial and prosecute all detainees in court or release them unconditionally if he was serious about reforming the police.

"This is the only way to convince people that social justice will be respected and upheld in the government of the new prime minister," he said.

Chinese educationist group Dong Jiao Zong spokesperson Dr Kua Kia Soong said Abdullah had failed to protect mother tongue language, as the SRJK (C) Damansara School has not been re-opened.

The community-based school, partially funded by the government was closed in 2001 and the students transferred to another location, although defiant parents have continued to send their children to the school.

"If the school is not opened before the next general election, this will be a serious issue for the Chinese community," Kua warned.

Still wishing...

Jemaah Islaah Malaysia president Zaid Kamaruddin said Abdullah has not encouraged ministers, state assembly and parliamentary representatives to publicly declare their assets.

Although he commended the Anti-Corruption Agency for charging former Perwaja chairperson Eric Chia with criminal breach of trust today, he said Abdullah must reconstitute the agency to make it more independent and accountable to Parliament.

All Women Action Society programme manager S Manohari urged the government to be serious about amending legislation on rape and domestic violence, which women's groups are urgently seeking.

"Every time a rape occurs, many quarters give all sorts of suggestions via the media. This is a fire-fighting approach. We hope these don't just remain words, we need to see some action," she said.

Kumpulan Aktivis Media Independen (Kami) spokesperson Fathi Aris Omar said Abdullah has not implemented a Freedom of Information Act, or abolished the Printing Presses and Publications Act or Official Secrets Act, in the interests of press freedom.

Coalition of Marginalised People (Jerit) spokesperson S Arutchelvan said Abdullah has yet to look into the minimum wage system and national retrenchment scheme for the country's 10.3 million workers.

Borneo Resources Institute Malaysia (Brimas) spokesperson Raymond Abin said the government has continued to open up land belonging to the indigenous community.

"Sarawak's population is small but its resources are controlled by politicians and business tycoons," he alleged.

Perak-based community group Alagail spokesperson K Arumugam conceded that national unity and pluralism cannot be achieved overnight.

However, he said Abdullah has not even indicated that he would consider enactment of a Race Relations Act or the creation of a commission to address racism and racial discrimination.

Community Development Centre spokesperson A Sivarajan said no improvement has been made in the area of housing rights.

"Estate workers and squatters continue to be driven out of their homes although they have toiled on the land for generations," he added.