Malaysia's new leader vows to stay course

PENANG, Malaysia — In his first speech as Malaysia's new prime minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi vowed Saturday to continue his predecessor's policies and urged cheering supporters to back him as he takes over after Mahathir Mohamad's 22-year reign.

The nationally televised speech to more than 5,000 people in his native state of Penang consisted mainly of thanking the audience, many of them members of his own party.

Abdullah promised to work for greater racial unity in Malaysia, a Southeast Asian peninsular nation that has seen bitter tensions between ethnic Chinese and Malay Muslims, who make up about 60 percent of the population. He also asked supporters to push hard to give the ruling coalition a big win in national elections due by the end of 2004.

"I want you to work together with me," Abdullah said. "May Malaysia be more developed. May Malaysia be more successful."

Abdullah, 63, became Malaysia's first new prime minister in a generation Friday when he succeeded Mahathir, who stepped down after propelling this former tin- and rubber-producing backwater into the ranks of Southeast Asia's wealthiest, most developed nations.

In his speech, Abdullah paid tribute to Mahathir, saying he left behind a "truly effective, modern and successful government."

Mahathir, 77, began his retirement by flying out for a European vacation. "I just want to take a rest," Mahathir told reporters Friday.

The crowd hailed Abdullah with flags of the ruling United Malays National Organization and banners reading: "We pledge our loyalty to you, our beloved prime minister."

On Saturday, Abdullah also visited the village where he grew up among a clan of religious leaders and politicians in this northern state.

Welcomed there by thousands of more supporters, Abdullah met his 79-year-old mother and kissed her hands as a sign of filial piety. After sunset, he dined with her and other close relatives. Muslims are currently celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, when they fast during daylight hours.

Abdullah is considered milder than the blunt-spoken Mahathir, an advocate of the developing and Islamic worlds and known for his fiery criticism of globalization and U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Dubbed the "Mr. Nice Guy" of Malaysian politics, Abdullah has resisted pressure to name a deputy, a coveted post which is traditionally a springboard for advancement.