Just days as prime minister, it looks like Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's rule is not going to be any different in spite of his rhetoric, especially with regards to democracy.

Within 24 hours, three Keadilan members were arrested for distributing Anwar's letter to the chief justice over his delayed bail application. Then we have the issue of Irene Fernandez's passport, which was held throughout the trial but handed back to her on application. But now, she will not even be permitted to travel overseas - so much for freedom of speech, let alone freedom after.

Then we have Deputy Education Minister Aziz Shamsuddin confirming that the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 will stay. To cap it all, the cabinet remains without reshuffling,to ensure feathers are not ruffled! Senior cabinet ministers are reluctant to heed Dr Mahathir Mohamad's advice to give way to younger party leaders.

To say that there are no suitable candidates to succeed them in their respective parties is an insult to those next in line. The question to ask themselves is: by staying on, will I be too egoistic and selfish? Instead of: I am staying on because the party needs me. Of course, the deputies and vice presidents will voice their support for them to carry on, but try resigning and those people will jostle to show their capabilities to take over!

Credit should be given to our new premier for his efforts in trying to improve efficiency in the civil service to reduce corruption. Hopefully, there will be more transparency and accountability in future government contracts as well. Let us give him time to settle in and hope that the situation will change for the better.