Distinguished ISIS Fellow Datuk Dr Zainal Aznam Yusof

The overarching framework, or tone, was set by the 1Malaysia concept. At its heart is equality, fairness and unity. But the presentation and clarification could have been better. Of course there were deliberate attempts to derail and deflate the idea by the opposition. What was needed clearly was a document that would set the ideas clearly and the basis for discussions or dissent.

Also, the release of Internal Security Act detainees was on the right note of "cleansing the slate" and of more cleansing to come. There was the promise that the ISA is being reviewed.

The appointment of senior judges set the mood of changes to the judiciary. Overtures were made to Sabah and Sarawak to demonstrate their importance to the Barisan Nasional. The appointment of the new Foreign Minister was a big concession to East Malaysia.

However, federal-state politics are in a mess. The takeover of the Perak Government has soured the political climate and there is no final resolution in sight. It has tested the state constitution and the Federal Constitution but that should be seen positively as it forces a re-examination of the lacuna that is present now in the laws.

The two stimulus packages amounting to RM67bil were inevitable but the acknowledgement that the economy would be in recession and that the contraction would be larger than -1% should have been made earlier.

Now, it has been acknowledged that the economy would contract in the range of -4 to -5%. Politics sidelined the economy and that was worrisome. The PM has managed over the last few weeks to give serious attention to the economy with the announcements on liberalisation. Some 27 services sub-sectors were liberalised.

The most important decision has been the liberalisation of ownership conditions and the removal of the 30% share capital for bumiputra condition for companies that want to be listed and the other liberalisation for the cpaital markets. Now the details of the liberalisation measures will have to be worked out. A new economic model to achieve the status of a high income economy is being worked out. This is welcomed.

Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd deputy chairman Irene M. Dorner

Najib took over as Malaysia's 6th Prime Minister at what was unquestionably a very challenging time. Now that he has completed his 100 days in office, his score card is looking very positive.

He has provided the right initiatives for a positive directional change economically and socially, particularly by addressing key issues of economic progress and national unity.

The introduction of his 1Malaysia policy is a good attempt at tackling the country's current polarisation as well as strengthening social cohesion.

He has clearly seen that these issues are connected and has systematically worked through an agenda. However, although the changes announced so far have created a better platform, the real proof will come in the implementation and alignment of the Government and civil service departments to see them through.

We should give credit where credit is due; the moves are bold and the signs are definitely encouraging and I believe that the Prime Minister and his administration would show results, particularly in attracting more international investors as well as improving domestic confidence.

The international business community is watching the scenario with great anticipation.

Asli Centre of Public Policy Studies chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam

He has consolidated Barisan Nasional and continued Pak Lah's more liberal atmosphere of debate and discussion on policy issues even from within the Barisan parties. The Perak problem could have been settled through another election to ascertain the people's aspiration but that did not take place.

Also, the two stimulus packages have generally been well received although the bigger package has yet to make its full impact.

The latest revision of the Foreign Investment Committee guidelines and the introduction of new economic reforms have set the pace for faster socio economic growth and income distribution. The new Ekuiti Nasional Berhad using public funds will have to be carefully managed so that there will be greater public and investor confidence.

The fundamental rights of religious freedom and safety/security are becoming serious problems for all Malaysians and the Cabinet's decision to be fair to children whose one parent converted was most welcomed by many quarters.

Unfortunately, the revision of the relevant laws has to be postponed. Early solutions to these problems will bring more credit to his first 100 days and beyond.

The formation of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission can improve the efficiency of the enforcement agencies and provide another feather in the cap for the Prime Minister, as the standards of enforcement and security are raised.

It must be difficult for him to move thus far with so many obstacles to face but as the Prime Minister, he will have to move at a more deliberate and steady pace in order to take Malaysia to higher levels of peace, unity and progress.

Malaysia Airlines chairman Tan Sri Munir Majid

Undoubtedly, the announcement of economic liberalisation measures on June 30 caps the Prime Minister's first 100 days. The lifting of the 30% bumiputra equity rule, as well as of most other FIC guidelines, is historic and the most decisive action he has taken.

We must also remember Malaysia's economic liberalisation, embrace of competition and desire to move the economy up the value chain come at a time of global crisis, when capital is scarce and growth prospects dim. If there is no kick in economic activity in the not too distant future, from domestic and/or foreign sources, there will be the argument liberalisation is a chimera, that bumiputras have lost their advantage for nothing.

This kind of argument is already coming out. On the one side, there is for instance the claim, quite legitimate in my view, that it is not quite a complete liberalisation when bumiputras will still need FIC approval for disposal of their assets. Why still this intervention' On the other hand, and more charged, there will be a sense of loss among the Malays that will be taken up in the political arena. While Najib is of course fully aware of the need to carry the Malay constituency, one way to achieve it is through a detailed, thorough and continuous communication plan to demonstrate to the Malays the benefits of liberalisation - for them!

I believe the Prime Minister has been absolutely right to stress there are also poor Chinese, as he did when introducing the laudable category of award of scholarships based exclusively on merit. However I also believe, as the economy hopefully gets a boost from liberalisation, the country gets a New Deal which addresses the needs of the lower income group as a whole for food, housing, good health, education and transportation. We tend to talk in big sweeps, like eradication of poverty, and trot out numbers to show the great progress we are making. Yet there are more than just pockets of those struggling to make a living. Their needs need to be addressed in a social policy, yes, irrespective of race.

Najib is the best Prime Minister the country has to make sure it does not go off the rails. There is no viable opposition to provide a credible alternative. Nevertheless, there are many legitimate complaints which have to be addressed if we are not to end up with another round of anti-ruling party vote resulting in an unsettled political situation such as we have now or, worse, in a surge of political uncertainty and instability with the country possibly split three ways.

He is a safe pair of hands who appreciates these serious concerns and the need to arrest, particularly, racial division and polarisation.

1Malaysia is an astute populist way of addressing this and of forging unity of purpose.

The inclusiveness demonstrated by well-chosen walkabouts without pomp and ceremony (even at the exclusive Malaysian Open golf championship this year, he was seen sitting on the grass!) at events among communities most aggrieved, as well as his direct communication with the people through the Internet, all show he knows the need to come down to earth, to turun padang.

At a higher level, he has shown that inclusiveness also means choosing the best, as in his recent choice of political secretary. (The fact that he is from Sabah is a bonus which, as a politician, Najib will gladly take.)

Choosing the best, irrespective of race, means optimum utilisation of human capital, which has for far too long been marginalised, or stayed abroad. This is great encouragement, especially for those in the GLCs, who need to take their companies up to the next level in the globalised world.

It is to be hoped it gives similar encouragement within the civil service as well. It is also to be hoped that this signal, as with so many other initiatives, will not just start and end with Najib, that they will be well understood all through his Cabinet, administration and party, especially Umno.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Tan Sri William Cheng

We are deeply impressed by Najib's strong political will and his new mindset in politics and economic reform. His concept of "One Malaysia - People First, Performance Now" is commendable and good for the country. It shows he wishes to see the prospect of a unified nation in which all racial groups are fairly and equally treated.

Likewise, he can be regarded as a leader of all Malaysians.

Najib has also shown his fast pace and efficiency in revitalising the economy. Besides the waiver of bumiputra equity requirement for 27 service sub-sectors as well as the liberalising of foreign equity participation in financial sector, he has done away with the 30% bumiputra quota requirement for companies seeking to list on the Bursa Malaysia.

This is a bold decision that will definitely boost FDIs to Malaysia.

Malaysian Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan

The Perak political crisis dominated the political scene. It has to be resolved and the best way will be to call for an election.

In terms of politics, race and religion, Najib has promoted the concept of "respect" for one another instead of "tolerating" one another. It is a good concept and it is hoped that Malaysians will see the possibility of him getting rid of race-based politics.The liberalisation efforts are certainly good but they need to be implemented as soon as possible.

There seems to be a lack of implementation efforts by the various agencies.

Offering government scholarships to top students based on merit is much welcome but the concern is again the implementation part.

The policy on one off-day a week for maids and the drafting of a standard employment contract are positive moves.

Najib has not repealed archaic laws and the laws should be repealed for greater democratic space.

PKR elections director Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

Najib's policies such as the Biasiswa Nasional that will be given based on merit and the abolishing of the Foreign Investment Committee ruling on 30% bumiputra equity are not original.

As for his 100 days in office, there is -6.2% economic growth, continuing fiscal deficit, dwindling foreign direct investments and no change in unemployment rate. Najib needs to do more to fight crime.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Institute of Ethnic Studies director Prof Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin

Najib made a good move in not contesting the Penanti by-election. The move was an attack on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's strategy and revealed to the people that he was using the by-elections for his own game - to replace non-performing politicians within Pakatan. In performing as a shadow Cabinet, Pakatan does not have Cabinet experience, except for PAS, and Najib's success would depend on Pakatan's failure.

The liberalisation attempts Najib have made are positive moves that were not seen in Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's or Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's time; the moves are widely accepted and reported in Singapore and Hong Kong newspapers. To think that Najib is a Mahathirist is wrong, he has his own mind.

The liberalisation efforts were good but he has to ensure that they are implemented.

Najib has been able to restore confidence during in this financial crisis especially in putting a brake to massive job losses.

The Government, together with the union, had negotiated with companies affected by the crisis to find ways and means to keep the workers employee.