Ministers need to be in NRC, says PM’S aide

There is a need for Cabinet members to be in the National Recovery Council (NRC), despite some quarters suggesting that politicians should not sit on the council.

The Prime Minister’s principal private secretary Datuk Dr Marzuki Mohamad said ministers needed to be in the NRC as they have to implement the policies decided by the council.

“Some people have suggested that the NRC should only be made up of professional groups,” he said, adding that politicians who are members of the NRC are there in their capacity as ministers, not as the division or branch chief of any political party.

“Remember, the power of the Federal Executive is with the Yang di-pertuan Agong and can be exercised by His Majesty or by the Cabinet in accordance with the provisions of the law and the Federal Constitution.

Marzuki said the day-to-day running of the government is carried out by the Cabinet, so when the NRC makes any decision, the decision must be implemented by the ministers and the ministries in charge.

“Therefore, it is obligatory for the ministers concerned to be a permanent member of the NRC, or attend by invitation any NRC meeting when matters related to their ministries are discussed in the meeting,” he said on Facebook yesterday.

The NRC held its second meeting on Friday to discuss the needs and potential reopening of the business sector under a stringent standard operating procedure.

Marzuki said at the NRC meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, there was a paper presented by a minister and two papers presented by representatives of professional groups.

These three papers were discussed and debated by all members present, including subject matter experts, he added.

“The Prime Minister and ministers listened to the views of expert groups from various fields in making decisions and conclusions.

“Many ideas were presented on efforts to deal with the pandemic, vaccinations, assistance to affected groups, the opening of the economy, social sectors, and so on,” he said.

“Imagine if the NRC was only made up of experts and professionals without involving the Prime Minister and Ministers? Who would implement all the views presented and decisions made?

“Yes, the council can discuss and debate on all sorts of things, but where do you want to take those views to be implemented? In the end, isn’t it to the government?”

The NRC replaces the Special Cabinet Committee on the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and was set up to steer the country out of the Covid19 crisis and ensure the smooth running of the NRP.