Malaysia's new PM shuns deputy

Mr Abdullah refused to be drawn on when he would appoint a deputy

Malaysia's new prime minister Abdullah Badawi has said he was not ready to appoint a deputy or announce a government reshuffle.

Mr Abdullah, who was speaking after leading his first cabinet meeting, told reporters he was not ready to make any cabinet appointment.

The decision leaves the Prime Minister holding two other senior government posts.

When he became Prime Minister last Friday, Mr Abdullah inherited the finance portfolio from his predecessor, Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

And he remains home minister, his previous position.

And he has no deputy, because that was his role before he took over from Dr Mahathir.

I think there are people who can be made to work harder Abdullah Badawi Malaysian Prime Minister

Mr Abdullah refused to be drawn on when he will appoint a replacement.

The favourite to take over the role has been the defence minister, Najib Razak, who was backed by Dr Mahathir.

Work

Asked about whether he would delegate any of his responsibilities, Mr Abdullah said the extra workload would fall on junior ministers.

"I think there are people who can be made to work harder." he said.

That theme was extended to the civil service as a whole.

Mr Abdullah accused some officials of slowing down the workings of government, so they could collect bribes to speed things up.

He appears to have made his priorities fighting corruption and improving the workings of government.

In his first speech to parliament as the country's new leader earlier this week, Mr Abdullah surprised observers by committing himself to strengthening Malaysia's democracy.

He also promised to support checks and balances on power, which critics accused his predecessor of undermining.

After Wednesday's cabinet meeting, Mr Abdullah said he had proposed setting up a "Public Ethics Institute," to educate people on good government and transparency.

"We hope to achieve zero corruption," he said.

As for the issue of a general election, Mr Abdullah said he was still uncertain whether to hold one this year - earlier than scheduled.

Elections are not due until the end of 2004, but correspondents say the new leader may try to seek a popular mandate by calling an early vote.