Economic Council composition is PM's prerogative - Azmin
Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali said the decision to form the Economic Action Council (EAC) is under the prerogative of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said this in response to a question on why former cabinet ministers such as PKR president Anwar Ibrahim was not part of the council.
Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said the decision to form the Economic Action Council (EAC) is under the prerogative of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Azmin said this in response to a question on why former cabinet ministers, such as PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, are not part of the council.
Anwar is also Mahathir's designated successor.
“This is the prime minister's decision. I am confident that in the process of discussion to garner input and feedback, we will engage with many stakeholders including youth and business communities.
“This is just a small committee tasked with collecting information from interested parties, so that we can hold our first meeting and establish the parameters. From here, we will go to the ground and discuss with those involved,” he added.
Asked if the EAC's findings would be disclosed to Anwar, the minister replied: “All are involved in the discussion.”
The PKR deputy president was speaking to journalists after attending the Malaysian Hokkien Association's Chinese New Year celebration in Subang Jaya this afternoon.
Credible personalities
Meanwhile, Azmin also reportedly said the EAC is well represented by credible personalities who are experts in their field.
"They have wide experience in many areas, and will continue to engage with stakeholders so we can formulate and draw up immediate and long-term strategies to resolve some of the compelling issues," he added.
Read more: New council unrelated to cabinet performance, says Azmin
At a separate function earlier, Azmin denied veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin's claim that the council was formed because Mahathir was not pleased with the performance of his cabinet ministers.
Apart from Mahathir and Azmin, other members of the council are former minister Rafidah Aziz and former Bank Negara chairperson Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
The council also comprises Lim Guan Eng (Finance Minister), Darell Leiking (International Trade and Industry Minister), Baru Bian (Works Minister), Muhammed Abdul Khalid (Economic adviser to the prime minister), Jomo Kwame Sundaram (Council of Eminent Persons member), Tay Ah Lek (Public Bank managing director), Hasnita Hashim (Mara chairperson), Shireen Ann Zaharah Muhiudeen (Bursa Malaysia chairperson), Mohd Munir Abdul Majid (Asean Business Advisory Council Malaysia chairperson), Paul Selvaraj (Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations CEO), Bah Tony @ Amani William Hunt Abdullah (Lawyer) and Nizam Mahshar (Institut Masa trustee).
RELATED REPORTS
PM: EAC needed, even 'brilliant' cabinet can go wrong
New council unrelated to cabinet performance, says Azmin
Kadir: New economic council reveals PM's admission of gov't inadequacies
Still don't know what the Council will achieve. Why not have a competition among the people to submit their ideas on how to create jobs, increase wages, raise the rate of economic growth, clean up environment, and have a good social welfare system. Among the entries to this competition I am sure we will have brilliant ideas. Setting up a special council does not inspire confidence among the people. No matter how you look at it it just means the ministries are not functioning.
Economic Minister is underperforming... not doubt about it !
Ya, correct. Najib hates Malaysians so much that he has to suck the country until to the bones