Questions raised over powers of CEP

> Council not formed by govt and has no legal authority, says Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR: The Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) should be disbanded if they are seen to be overstepping their roles, said opposition lawmaker Khairy Jamaluddin ( pix).

The former Youth and Sports Minister was commenting on CEP head Tun Daim Zainuddin’s visit to China recently to renegotiate deals Malaysia had made with China and stressed that the council has no authority in law.

“The establishment of the CEP was not even done by the federal administration as it was formed before the Cabinet. It was the decision of the prime minister, who can at any time disband it,” he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

He added that the CEP is an unofficial council to advise the prime minister, and it has a wide remit.

“I believe it has now gone beyond that remit.”

Earlier, the Dewan Rakyat witnessed a heated exchange when Khairy questioned the powers of the CEP.

During question time, the Rembau MP insinuated that the CEP appeared to be more powerful than its stated advisory role, as seen in its purported ability to order the resignation of Tun Md Raus Sharif as chief justice.

“That was not advice. That was an order,” he said.

Khairy also questioned the extent of the CEP’s influence, alluding to Daim’s visit to China, as well as its member Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Abdul Aziz’s appointment to chair both Permodalan Nasional Bhd and Sime Darby Property Bhd.

“When will this un-elected CEP be abolished?” Khairy asked Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong.

Liew said the establishment of the CEP is normal, as the previous Barisan Nasional administration had also set up special advisory bodies.

“(The issue of) accountability and locus standi does not arise as it is a body with no legal power. Its advice (to the government) is non-binding,” said Liew.

Khairy then asked Liew whether Daim’s visit to China was undertaken in an advisory capacity.

Liew replied that it was “just a visit” as Daim was asked to do so by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“The CEP was only established for a 100 days. After 100 days, it will be disbanded,” he said.

NORMAN HIU/ THESUN Mohammad Ariff (front, centre), flanked by his deputies Nga Kor Ming (right) and Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, with senior editors at Parliament yesterday.