PM: EAC needed, even 'brilliant' cabinet can go wrong
Dr Mahathir Mohamad has defended his decision to set up the Economic Action Council (EAC), saying the cabinet could make mistakes even if made up of brilliant people.
The prime minister said this when asked to respond to his communications adviser A Kadir Jasin’s claim that the establishment of the council showed a lack of confidence in the cabinet...
Dr Mahathir Mohamad has defended his decision to set up the Economic Action Council (EAC), saying the cabinet could make mistakes even if made up of brilliant people.
The prime minister said this when asked to respond to his communications adviser A Kadir Jasin’s claim that the establishment of the council showed a lack of confidence in the cabinet.
“The Economic Action Council (EAC) will enable the government and myself, in particular, to listen to the views of other people from their own angle.
“Any government that does not want to listen to certain people and wants to only depend on its cabinet, even if it is is made up of brilliant people, will go wrong,” he told reporters today at a press conference held at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya.
Mahathir said that the government should have formed the council from the moment Pakatan Harapan assumed federal power last year, but that it was a “very busy” time.
“Now, we have enough time to set up such a council, and we will use it to get feedback on what's happening in the country, and ideas on solving problems as well as the way forward."
Mahathir’s office unveiled the 16-member council’s composition yesterday, which includes himself and several cabinet members, as well as experts and leaders in various fields.
The EAC is modelled after the NEAC that Mahathir had set up during his first tenure as prime minister.
Mahathir said that although he set up the NEAC relatively late into his administration, it was successful in spurring development with the full cooperation of the cabinet.
'No need to pretend'
In a blog post this morning, Kadir said the setting up of the EAC amounted to a tacit admission that the existing government machinery, especially the cabinet, was not up to mark in tackling matters related to the economy, finances and the people’s welfare.
"We do not have to pretend in order to avoid offending anyone or any parties.
"The reality is that after more than eight months of administrating the country, the Harapan government has yet to show results which can be felt by the rakyat," he said.
The post includes his usual disclaimer that his writings are his personal views as a blogger, and have nothing to do with any position he holds.
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