PARLIAMENT | Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) has raised concerns about the influence of the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP), describing it as an "unelected and unaccountable" body.

Speaking during the question and answer session in Parliament this morning, Khairy raised the example of CEP chair Daim Zainuddin summoning top judges and instructing them to resign.

"This is not an advise, it was an instruction to resign immediately and this is on record," he said.

Khairy also raised the appointment of Zeti Akhtar Aziz, another member of the CEP, to helm two key government-linked companies, namely Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Sime Darby Properties.

Responding to the question, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of law Liew Vui Keong reiterated the council's advisory role.

"Even before this, we have appointed many other advisory bodies on 1MDB... The issue of accountability or locus standi with regard to the CEP does not arise as they only act as an advisory body.

"Their decisions are not necessarily binding on the government. The government can consider and listen to their views but will be the one making the decisions.

Unsatisfied, Khairy then questioned why Daim last week travelled to China to negotiate with the Chinese government.

"Was that advisory too? Was it to give advice?" he asked.

However, Liew said Daim's visit was on the instruction of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"If he had been instructed, then he can go to get (the Chinese) views on issues about our country," he said.

Mahathir is expected to make a formal visit to China next month.

Liew also reiterated that the council will be disbanded after Harapan's 100 days in power.