Dr Mahathir on why Daim must stay
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EXPERIENCE, connections and work ethics. For Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Daim Zainuddin has all these values that make him indispensable to his Pakatan Harapan government now running Malaysia.
Daim was the chairman of the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) which was formed to help the Pakatan Harapan government in its first 100 days after winning federal power.
He was also sent as a special envoy to China with very specific terms of reference and reported directly to Dr Mahathir.
The council ended its tenure on Monday with Daim saying that it was up to the prime minister to decide on what new role he had for the CEP and himself.
Dr Mahathir did not hesitate when asked if he still needed Daim by his side.
“I am studying the right role for him because he is the kind of person who has a lot of knowledge in the government, especially of the economics and finances of Malaysia,” Dr Mahathir told The Malaysian Insight.
On the report handed to Dr Mahathir by the CEP after the 100-day stint, the prime minister said it was basically background checks on those people who the council thinks are suitable to replace the current people in key positions.
“Beyond that it was about measures needed to be taken to tackle our huge debt issue and working with China to relieve us from this heavy debt,” he said.
The prime minister was very clear on the need for Daim to be in the government.
“Maybe Daim is unwilling to be with the CEP but he is willing to volunteer his time to the government in some other way,” said Dr Mahathir, indicating that he would be given a job soon.
“I can’t say (how soon he will be absorbed into the government) but you must remember that I have a very new cabinet with no experience. Daim’s experience is necessary to guide the cabinet.
Dr Mahathir also said that it was up to Daim if he wanted to help from within the CEP or otherwise.
“Well I thought that Daim should lead and if he needs the support of other people, it is up to him.” – August 25, 2018.