Daim says CEP's term officially over, to consult Dr M on extension

The Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) has completed its 100-day mandate, according to Daim Zainuddin, who heads the five-person team.

He said CEP has prepared a report on their recommendations which would be submitted to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad when he returns from his official visit to China tomorrow.

Daim told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur this evening that the council had met with over 350 individuals from more than 200 organisations, which included regulatory enforcement agencies, bankers, trade associations, chambers of commerce, corporations, SMEs, and consumers, among others.

Asked if CEP would continue past the 100-day mark, Daim said he would consult the prime minister on this.

However, the former finance minister maintained that CEP's term was officially over.

"Our mandate is 100 days. Our last day was yesterday. When he (the prime minister) comes back (from China), I will make an appointment to consult him, what he has in mind.

"As far as I am concerned we have finished our 100 days and everybody (CEP members) have gone back to their respective jobs. These are all volunteers," he said.

The other members of CEP included former Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz, former Petronas president and CEO Mohd Hassan Marican, economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram and tycoon Robert Kuok.

When asked on what are the CEP recommendations to the prime minister, Daim summarised them into three categories, namely the need to improve governance, the need to improve well being of the rakyat, and the need to grow a sustainable economy for the country.

However, he had throughout the conference declined to reveal exactly what they are putting into the report, saying that "these are for the prime minister".

Daim also cited that the council members are bound by the Official Secrets Act.

The council was also asked on allegations that they were vested too much power and was deemed unconstitutional.

To this, Daim answered said: "What power do we have? We only advise the government."

He reiterated that all decisions whether to implement any of CEP's recommendations were solely at the discretion of the government.

Last week, Mahathir said the CEP would continue to serve the government as its input was still required.

"They think that the CEP has come to an end, but I haven't decided,” he had said on speculation that the council would be disbanded.

"I never said it was 100 days," he added.  - Mkini