Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak completes his first 100 days in office today on a high note, winning widespread approval for a slew of economic reforms.
But political analysts warn his commitment to human rights, press freedom and tolerance for dissent is wanting.
While Anwar Ibrahim, his rival to be prime minister, fights new sodomy charges, Mr Najib announced a range of reform measures that his predecessor, Abdullah Badawi, had swept under the carpet.
A poll by the independent Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research this week showed Mr Najib's approval rating had shot up from 42 per cent in April to 65 per cent last month on the back of measures he took to repeal wealth ownership restrictions, abolish Malay preferential rights and create a level playing field under his 'One Malaysia' concept.
He also announced scholarships based totally on merit, abolished Malay education quotas and opened the civil service to Chinese and Indian minorities.
'The slew of measures were well-received by a sceptical people but the real challenge is in the implementation,' political scientist Denison Jayasooria said.