New council unrelated to cabinet performance, says Azmin

Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali has denied that the government's new Economic Action Council (EAC) was formed because the prime minister was unhappy with the performance of cabinet members. 

In rebutting veteran media figure A Kadir Jasin's comment on the matter, Azmin said Pakatan Harapan cabinet members do not work alone but reach every decision collectively.

"That is not true at all (what Kadir said).

"This is not one minister. We in Harapan move and act collectively. Decisions made by the cabinet were also made in a collective manner," he told reporters after a ceremony in Sepang earlier today.

Azmin was asked for his comments on Kadir's claim that the establishment of the EAC had implied that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was displeased with the performance of his ministers.

Kadir had said in a blog post today that, by forming the EAC, the premier had implicitly acknowledged that the existing government machinery is inadequate to handle matters concerning the economy, finances and people's welfare.

“What is implicit was the prime minister admitting that the existing machinery, especially the cabinet, is not adequate to handle these matters,” Kadir, who is a Bersatu supreme council member, wrote.

An 'action-oriented' council

Commenting on EAC, Azmin said the council is aimed at tackling issues related to the people's wellbeing, rising cost of living, and the increasing prices of goods, among others.

"This council will be action-oriented. Because we already have long and medium-term policies. But what is more important is the matter of implementation to bring positive impacts," he said.

Azmin, who is among the 16 members of the council, said they would be looking at immediate and medium-term approaches to address the problems.

When asked when the EAC would hold its first meeting, Azmin said it would take place sometime soon.

"I have not received the notice, but I have been informed that it would be soon, because the issues that we want to discuss are pressing issues that affect the people's wellbeing," he said. - Mkini