KUALA LUMPUR – The Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin-led National Recovery Council has been disbanded, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim citing overlap of responsibilities, which incurs higher costs.
In a press conference in Putrajaya today, Anwar said the NRC was created to serve a need back then.
“Do you want it to continue?” he asked the journalists gathered at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Anwar was also asked about talks of dissolving the National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC).
“We are reviewing the many overlapping government bodies. For example, the responsibilities (of GIACC) can be taken up by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or police. Similar agencies have to be cut down as they incur high costs.
“What is important is that GIACC’s principles are here to stay. But (overlapping agencies) cannot be so many, as I have told the chief secretary.”
Anwar likened this to his numerous responsibilities as prime minister, saying that many of them have been delegated to his deputies.
GIACC was formed in 2018 during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration and tasked with planning and formulating strategies, and evaluating policies in ensuring all government affairs are done based on good governance, integrity, and zero tolerance towards corruption.
As for NRC, Perikatan Nasional chairman and former prime minister Muhyiddin dismissed allegations that the council formed during his administration was given government funds.
He also said that he had resigned as NRC chairman before the 15th general election.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi had earlier alleged that Muhyiddin and the NRC were handed hundreds of millions in funds. – The Vibes, December 21, 2022
