KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Malaysia's new prime minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, pledged Monday to form a clean government and vowed to continue the war on terror.
ChannelNewsAsia said Abdullah, during its first speech to parliament, detailed his new administration's policies, but failed to name a deputy as had been widely anticipated.
Abdullah said he would continue the policies of his predecessor, Mahathir Mohamad, to expand economic prosperity.
ChannelNewsAsia said Abdullah, during a wide-ranging address, did not break new policy ground, but vowed to combat militancy and root out government corruption. He said he wants the Malaysian government to form an image that's clean, incorruptible and modest.
Said Abdullah: "Do not play up sensitive issues based on race, religion or language. Don't sensationalize issues that have to do with national security or public peace. It will have to be dealt with firmly."
