Jomo: There were sensitive issues but not anymore

PETALING JAYA: Prof Dr Jomo Kwame Sundram, who is part of the five-member Council of Eminent Persons (CEP), says its findings should be made public.

The economist said although he had earlier voiced his reservations because there were legally and diplomatically sensitive issues involved, these were not part of the report finalised by the CEP that was headed by Tun Daim Zainuddin.

“I agree to it being published. “My earlier concerns were because of legally or diplomatically sensitive matters, which are not there anymore,” he said.

Jomo’s latest comments were in contrast to his statements last August when he said the 100-day report was never meant to be published for the public.

“We never wrote it with the intention of getting it published.

“Our intention was always to provide advice to the Prime Minister and we expected him to, in turn, share it with the relevant ministers – and then they will make the decisions.

“Some of the items are sensitive. “The government must be capable of getting advice, which not everyone (is privy to).

“There are many things which are very delicate.

“Information can be abused,” Jomo explained then.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, who said on Wednesday that the report had been classified under the Official Secrets Act, said he was not privy to the report.

“It is with the Prime Minister. He alone has the privilege to it,” said Hanipa.