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New Year Message by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-chairman and MP for Kepong on 31.12.2003. Good riddance 2003 that had witnessed endless suicide bombings and the American occupation of Iraq. 31.12.2003

Good riddance to 2003 that saw more suicide bombings and state terrorism, and American occupation of Iraq with the capture of Saddam Hussein. But, suicide bombings continue. Let 2004 bring genuine peace and truly clean administration.

Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has become the fifth Prime Minister after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The people have great expectations. The new PM pronounces a series of measures such as Anti-Corruption Academy, Royal Commission on the police and RM 200 million tuition voucher scheme.

We sincerely hope that these series of measures are not just lip services. They should be part of the long-term programmes to turn Malaysia into a developed nation. After all, the PM says that this (the Royal Commission on police) is not a lip service, and he is not doing this for his popularity.

We hope that 2004 will be rid of terrorism such as suicide bombings and state terrorism and that Malaysia will eradicate all forms of extremism.

Besides wishing to see progress in all sectors including politics and economy, we would like to witness Malaysia having a truly clean administration. The above-stated Royal Commission should present its report to Parliament as early as practicable. We need concrete proposals to uplift the police to international standard.

No sooner had he become the PM, Dato' Seri Abdullah visited China. His relatives from China also came to Malaysia recently. Then, the PM will go to China again, followed by a visit by Hu Jintao, the Chinese President. Dato' Seri Abdullah must have general elections in mind. Let us hope that these visits promote goodwill, trade and cultural exchanges.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw