Dr M: CEP to stay, Daim to remain as its head

BEIJING: The services of the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) are still needed, and Tun Daim Zainuddin will continue to head the advisory group, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Speaking at a news conference before ending his visit here on Tuesday (Aug 21), Dr Mahathir said he had not given the CEP a 100-day timeframe, adding that he still has a dire need for its services.

“I never mentioned anything (about) 100 days; I want him (CEP chairperson Tun Daim Zainuddin) to be there,” he said when asked to comment on Daim’s statement that the council's 100-day mandate is officially over.

On Monday (Aug 20), Daim had said the council's last day was on Sunday (Aug 19) and everyone in the council had gone back to their respective jobs.

"As far as we are concerned, we have completed our task. The mandate is over.

"Including the secretariat, we are all volunteers," Daim said, declining to comment if the CEP has been disbanded or not.

He added that he will make an appointment with Dr Mahathir to see what role he has in mind for the council.

On Thursday (Aug 16), Dr Mahathir said that the CEP will not be disbanded although its mandate will end.