Madagascar's new Prime Minister Kolo Roger who was appointed last Friday to the position, on Wednesday officially began performing his duties after the hand- over of power by his predecessor Jean Omer Beriziky in Antananarivo.

Roger who is a medical doctor by training, will head a government of the IV Republic and which will be set up within the next 48 hours.

During the hand over ceremony on Wednesday morning, Beriziky wished Roger success in the noble task that awaits him.

"It's a huge task that awaits me," Roger said, adding that "the Madagascan people are waiting for concrete results."

"It is a sacred mission that I will accomplish with courage and humility," he continued.

He urged politicians not to engage in petty politics, noting that "the overall national interests should not be sacrificed over personal interests."