Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Malaysians abroad are showing solid support for the government and the policies it is implementing since he took over the reigns of leadership.

He said this was clearly demonstrated at the meetings he held with the Malaysian community during his visits to the United States, France and the United Kingdom last week.

"I feel greatly relieved and grateful to Allah because the Malaysian community and students who had attended the meetings with me had all shown their support for the things that are being implemented in Malaysia now since I took over as prime minister," he was quoted as saying by Bernama today.

The premier told this to reporters after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting last night.

Abdullah said during the meetings, most of the Malaysians were keen to know in greater detail about developments in the country and had said that they were proud of the things that were being done by the government now.

He said this was evident from the questions posed during the dialogue sessions between him and the Malaysian community there.

"There were no criticisms or cynical remarks which used to be voiced in the past," he added.

Return home

Abdullah said he had explained how important it was for them, as Malaysians, not to be involved in whatever activity or movements that could shame the country which would eventually create problems for themselves.

The premier said he had also encouraged and welcomed those who were working abroad to return home and serve the country, particularly those who had experience and expertise in the various fields.

Abdullah took over the premiership from Dr Mahathir Mohamad last November following the latter's retirement after 22 years in power.

Since then, the new premier has been seen as rebuilding diplomatic bridges that were razed by his more outspoken and caustic predecessor.

In the past, Mahathir had come under heavy criticism during his dialogues with Malaysian students abroad over certain domestic issues.