performance was announced with great fanfare at a function where platitudes and self-praise obscured the vision and priorities required to reflect the direction the prime minister has set as a tireless leader. He is expected to change the culture of governance through transparency and accountability. Credit is due to a former civil servant and current adviser on institutional reform who admitted that the government could �complete� only 18 out of 34 �deliverables�. The prime minister�s Nov 29 address demonstrated good intentions. There is no doubt he aims to build a welfare state based on socioeconomic justice. However, translating his desires into reality depend on sound advice, legislative reforms and political forces abandoning the collision course they have embarked on. Sagacity in parliament is essential