Still, many agree that the Najib factor will be an important one in the coming general elections.
Najib Razak hit the ground running when he took over as the country's sixth prime minister on April 3, 2009.
The 58-year-old son of former Malaysian premier Abdul Razak had his work cut out for him in the last three years as he tried to transform the government, the economy and the ruling BN coalition that he leads.
"I have never worked harder than before in my life. My work schedule now is punishing," prime minister Najib said. "On Saturday, I had five, six programmes in Perak. Yesterday, I had four programs in Selangor and that's on a Sunday. It's not like I have Monday off."
His punishing schedule is unlikely to end anytime soon, with the 13th general election coming up.
So far, political analysts have given a thumbs up to Mr Najib's 1Malaysia policy to build a more inclusive society.
Political analyst James Chin said: "Najib's 1Malaysia brand is actually very strong. I know all of you are very cynical, especially the middle class, but that brand is actually very strong at the grassroot level."
But response towards Mr Najib's various economic, political and social transformation programmes has been mixed.
The opposition Democratic Action Party's adviser Lim Kit Siang said: "It's a promise of transformation that's never materialised. He's not in full control of his ministers, his government as well as his party. He's unable to walk the talk."
CEO of the Centre of Strategic Engagement Fui Soong said: "He's made it clear to the people that he needs their mandate to have them (policies) implemented more decisively. He's come across as very sincere and people are actually beginning to believe him and actually give him a chance to prove himself."
The coming polls, which must be held by May next year, is touted as a do-or-die battle for the ruling coalition.
Analysts say Mr Najib needs to regain the customary two-thirds majority, or 148 seats, in parliament to ward off a possible leadership challenge within his own party UMNO.
The 13th general election will be the day of his reckoning.
- CNA/wm
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