The Malaysian Insight

THE Council of Eminent Persons completed its term yesterday, and it is now up to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to extend its tenure.

Council chairman Daim Zainuddin said a report containing recommendations on socio-economic and financial matters would be submitted to Dr Mahathir upon his return from China.

“The mandate was 100 days. The last day was yesterday. When he comes back, (we) will make an appointment to consult him on what role he has in mind (for us next).

“As far as we are concerned, we have finished and gone back to our respective jobs,” he said at a press conference today.

Daim did not reveal the contents of the recommendations as he said they were classified under the Official Secrets Act.

“We will be submitting our report when he comes back,” the former finance minister said.

Daim said he and his council colleagues hoped the prime minister would make the report accessible to the public.

“I hope so. All of us hope so but it is up to the government.”

Daim said the CEP was no longer necessary as the cabinet members, many of whom were new to the job, were learning and showed promise they would be good at it.

“There is no need (to extend). We have enough capable people. Be patient with them while they master (their duties). It won’t be long,” he said. 

The long-time confidante of Dr Mahathir also denied the CEP was overstepping its authority and  usurping cabinet powers.

“Let me put on record that after the formation of a full cabinet, the CEP has worked in consultation with the relevant ministries to obtain their input and feedback where necessary,” Daim said. 

There have been allegations that Daim and the CEP were even more powerful than Dr Mahathir’s cabinet.

Critics in the opposition have also pointed out the CEP is not accountable for its actions and has carte blanche to haul up anyone it wishes for investigation. – August 20, 2018.