Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today expressed his frustration that ministers are leaving all government decisions to him.

"I too can leave it to everyone to make decisions, no need to be a prime minister. What for?"

"It would be better for me to do some other work. Then there's no need for the prime minister to do anything. Why should I take the trouble?" he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

According to him, ministers who shirk their responsibilities should not be ministers. However, he did not name the ministers he was referring to.

Abdullah also stressed that he worked diligently in leading the country.

"I want to do this and that. There are so many things I want to do. So, I use my wisdom to figure out what is best," he said.

He added that it would be a coincidence if his thoughts mirrored the thoughts "of not one but four, five, 10 or 20 others".

"When the people are comfortable with what we are doing, it means they know we are fulfilling their wishes," said the premier.

Since his return from a vacation in Australia last Saturday, Abdullah has broken his silence as he faced increasing criticisms over his leadership.

In recent months, Abdullah has come under heavy attack from his former boss Dr Mahathir Mohamad for several decisions made by the government.

9MP projects

In another development, the prime minister stressed that contractors awarded tenders for development projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) must complete them on schedule.

He said such requirements would be emphasised in the letter of offer that would be issued to the contractors selected to carry out the projects.

Abdullah added that the relevant ministries and the Public Works Department (PWD) would also ensure that the contractors are carefully selected.

"We want to ensure that the company selected has the capability to undertake the project offered. If they are not capable, how can we consider them for the project? Certainly, it's not possible," he added.

Abdullah had announced on Wednesday that tender for the 880 new development projects worth RM15 billion under the 9MP would be implemented in the near future.

Among the projects listed are hundreds of primary and secondary schools, road construction, water supply projects and the Integrated Public Transport Terminal in Gombak, Selangor.