EAC not due to disappointment with Cabinet

SEPANG: Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Azmin Ali has denied speculation that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad established the Economic Action Council (EAC) due to dissatisfaction with the cabinet’s performance.

Azmin said the setting up of the council, comprising individuals with the expertise and skills as well as a good reputation in the community, is needed to provide useful input to the government.

“Their input is very important for us to consider, and we will make joint decisions as any action taken will have a positive impact on the people,” he said after launching the haj and umrah charter flights by Malaysia Airlines.

Media and communications adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office Datuk A. Kadir Jasin wrote in his blog The Scribe that Tun Dr Mahathir had implied the council was formed because the existing machinery, especially the Cabinet ministers, cannot adequately handle issues affecting the economy, finance and people’s well-being.

The Prime Minister’s Office has announced the formation of the Economic Action Council tasked with making decisions related to economic and financial affairs as well as the people’s well-being.

Azmin, who is also a council member, said: “We in Pakatan Harapan move and act collectively, and decisions of the Cabinet are also made collectively, that is why this council was set up.”

He said the main focus of the action-oriented council is to address the rising cost of living. He said the first meeting of the council would be held soon as the issues being discussed are urgent.