Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kuala Lumpur (Fides Service) - Eliminate corruption and promote transparency in public administration, start economic reforms, attention to ethnic and religious minorities, development in rural areas: these are the main points of the programme of Malaysia’s new government led by Abdullah Badawi a member of the Barisan National party which won the elections last week with an 80% majority.
The Prime Minister presented the new executive in continuity with the past confiding in many men who were members of the government led by Mahathir Mohammad, former government leader whom Badawi succeeds after 22 years.
Local sources told Fides that Malaysians appear to be satisfied and the fact that Badawi has stressed the importance of moral values has earned him the people’s confidence. Prospects for Malaysia are good: the economy is growing and people hope the new government will being more prosperity to the country.
Before the elections the Christian Federation of Malaysia, an ecumenical body, urged voters to choose candidates known for their honesty and will to work for the good of the nation including religious and ethnic minorities. Malaysia’s interreligious Council comprising Hindus, Siikhs, Buddhists and Christians also issued an appeal to “vote for people known for their credibility and sound political formation ”.
In the March 21elections the Barisan National won 198 of the 219 seats in Parliament and the United Malaysian National Organization, a coalition of 14 parties which reports to Badawi, won state government in 12 of the Federation’s 13 states.
Malaysia has a population of 25 million: 47.7% Muslim, 8.3% Christian and small groups of Hindus, Buddhists and followers of traditional religions. Malaysia’s Catholics, 770,000, are gathered in 2 archdioceses and 6 dioceses.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/3/2004 lines 31 word 373)
