“I still need their services until all the problems are solved,” he said, referring to the advisory body led by former finance minister Daim Zainuddin.
He was speaking to reporters after the official launch of the Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur hospital here today.
Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4) director Cynthia Gabriel had said the CEP would be disbanded along with the 1MDB investigative committee.
She reportedly said the two outfits would be dissolved this Saturday after the Pakatan Harapan government marks its first 100 days in power.
But Mahathir said he had not decided when the council would be dissolved.
“I never said it would be in 100 days,” he added.
Mahathir announced the establishment of the CEP after being sworn in as prime minister on May 10, saying it was needed to stabilise a government of inexperienced ministers.
The CEP comprises Daim, Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Hassan Marican, Robert Kuok and KS Jomo.
Earlier this month, Zeti, the former Bank Negara governor, said meetings with stakeholders had been put on hold for now as the deadline for the advisory body to complete its tasks was just around the corner.
She added that the council was in the midst of preparing a full report.