Azmin says new council ‘credible’, Anwar’s absence no issue

Azmin says new council ‘credible’, Anwar’s absence no issue

The economic affairs minister brushes aside a question on why the former finance minister is not part of the Economic Action Council.

Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister-in-waiting.
PETALING JAYA:
Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali today brushed aside a question on why his party boss Anwar Ibrahim was not named as part of the Economic Action Council (EAC), saying the appointments were the prerogative of Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“This is the decision of the prime minister,” Azmin, who is also the PKR deputy president, told reporters at a Chinese New Year gathering today.

Azmin, who is also part of the 16-member council, said he felt the current composition was adequate.

“It is a small council to gather input from the stakeholders. Let them hold their first meeting, set the parameters, and we will take it from there.”

Anwar, the PKR president was the finance minister during Mahathir’s first term in the nineties. He has been named the successor to Mahathir under a deal reached by Pakatan Harapan leaders.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office said the EAC was aimed at stimulating economic growth, equitable distribution of wealth and improving the wellbeing of the people.

Among those in the council are former international trade and industry minister Rafidah Aziz, economist KS Jomo and Public Bank managing director Tay Ah Lek.

Azmin said the members of the council were credible personalities.

“They have vast experience in many areas,” he said.

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