PM: CEP report not ready for public, needs further probe by authorities
PARLIAMENT | Putrajaya has to be careful in revealing the contents of Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) report at this stage because some of the findings require further investigation by authorities, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
"This is to avoid polemics that could interfere with the finding of investigations, which could affect business and investor confidence," he told the Dewan Rakyat during Minister's Question Time today...
PARLIAMENT | Putrajaya has to be careful in revealing the contents of Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) report at this stage because some of the findings require further investigation by authorities, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
"This is to avoid polemics that could interfere with the finding of investigations, which could affect business and investor confidence," he told the Dewan Rakyat during Minister's Question Time today.
Revealing the CEP report now, Mahathir stressed, would also expose Putrajaya to possible defamation suits.
"On whether we can expose the (content) of CEP (report), this is not the time yet.
"Maybe in the future, when we have taken action and (are no longer exposed) to the possibility of being sued for defamation, etc., then we will reveal it.
"What is important is that all recommendations for improvement have been accepted and implemented in the best possible way," he said.
Mahathir was responding to Fahmi Fadzil (Harapan-Lembah Pantai) who questioned if the government would be making the contents of the classified report public.
Fahmi said the move would "avoid slander and false perceptions, especially when the public is aware that the Official Secrets Act 1972 was abused by the previous government."
Last month, De Facto Deputy Law Minister Hanipa Maidin said on Thursday that CEP report would remain under OSA to protect confidential information in it.
CEP chairperson Daim Zainuddin and Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali said the CEP report should be revealed.
The council was formed on May 12 last year, three days after Pakatan Harapan came into power by defeating BN in the 14th general election.
The formation of the five-member council was among Dr Mahathir Mohamad's first tasks as prime minister.
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