AMID UNEASE OVER DAIM’S ‘HOLD’ ON DR MAHATHIR – GUAN ENG CLEARS THE AIR: ‘DAIM IS ONE OF PM’S PRINCIPAL ADVISERS – BUT DECISIONS ARE MADE BY THE CABINET & PM. ADVICE IS GIVEN BUT NOT NECESSARILY TAKEN’

PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad gets advice from all quarters, with Daim Zainuddin among his principal sources, said Lim Guan Eng.

“Daim is one of the principal sources, but the decisions are made by the cabinet and PM. Advice is given, but not necessarily taken.  

“We should respect the roles and contributions of all these people who offer advice pro bono, including Daim,” said the finance minister on the BFM radio station this morning.

He was replying to a question on whether Daim was behind some of the changes at government-linked companies, including the removal of chief executives and board members.

“You can’t stop rumours. On his role, he was appointed by the prime minister, who has stressed that he gets advice from all quarters,” said Lim.

Asked whether a cabinet reshuffle is on the cards, he said he is unaware of such a plan.

“I have not heard about this in the cabinet. It could be mere speculation.

“If there is any basis to it, it is up to the prime minister to decide. So far, I think my colleagues are doing well and (doing) their best under the circumstances, but this is not in my court. It’s in the prime minister’s court.”

On criticism that his ministry’s responses to queries have been “too spontaneous”, Lim said it is a case of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t”.

“When we talk about responses, if we do not respond, then the media will say we are not forthcoming. When we respond, you say we are too spontaneous. So, damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

“What’s important is that we try to convey the actual situation. What you see is what you get. In the case of 1Malaysia Development Bhd, the damage done is tremendous. So, how can you not get angry?  

“For those who feel that we should be calm and indifferent about it, think again. We are not elected to be calm about these scandals. We are elected to set things right, and we care about the future of the country.”

Since taking on the finance portfolio, Lim has frequently sparred with former prime minister and finance minister Najib Razak on a wide range of issues, including unpaid goods and services tax refunds and the 1MDB scandal.

THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT