Muhyiddin: Red tape was a stumbling block to NRC

PUTRAJAYA: A "green lane" was needed for the National Recovery Council (NRC) to sidestep bureaucracy and have its recommendations implemented speedily, says its chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"I am not satisfied, I have said this before," he told a press conference here on Thursday (Oct 13) when asked if he was happy with the government’s implementation of the NRC's recommendations.

"I have given proposals. These are not stupid proposals. Experts were there too (in the council)," he added.

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Noting that there was a lot of bureaucracy involved, Muhyiddin said only about 20% of the recommendations had been implemented, mostly involving the healthcare sector.

He added that measures such as fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and vaccination drive began during his time as prime minister, and so a system was already in place when the current government took over.

Muhyiddin was named NRC chairman with ministerial rank on Sept 4 last year, a few weeks after he stepped down as prime minister.

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The council looked into the country’s recovery strategies.

On another note, the Perikatan Nasional chief said as much as the coalition wants to win GE15 and form the government, it would not forget the people and their problems.

"Yes, I want to win the election. I want to make sure that my people at various levels are doing their jobs.

"I must make sure that we explain to the people why they should elect Perikatan Nasional," he said when asked on how he appeared to be keeping cool when other political leaders were taking an aggressive approach.

Muhyiddin said it was important for leaders to multi-task and execute what was of great importance, adding that he could not teach other leaders what to do.

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“Leaders should be able to multi-task by managing the economy, Covid-19 and politics. You have to set priorities. If I know people are suffering, I cannot be talking only about politics every day," he said.

"What does power mean without helping the people?” he asked.

He said despite having a lot on his mind, he always tried to stay calm.

"I am always a cool man. I don’t overreact. I know what is important, I take it in stride," he added.

Parliament was dissolved on Oct 10 and GE15 must be called within 60 days. The Election Commission is set to meet on Oct 20 to discuss the dates for the national polls.