NRC among several govt agencies disbanded, overlapping tasks cited

PUTRAJAYA: The National Recovery Council (NRC) and several government agencies have been disbanded as they are now redundant, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"The NRC was disbanded as there were overlapping tasks... it was created to fulfil needs then," said Anwar at a press conference after a Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday (Dec 21).

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was appointed as the NRC chairman on Sept 1 after the Pagoh MP stepped down as prime minister in August last year.

Anwar said there had been proposals to dissolve government bodies that had overlapping duties.

"If the matter can be handled by the police and the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), we want to reduce it. Each overlapping agency will add (administrative) costs," said Anwar.

However, Anwar did not reveal the other government agencies that have been disbanded.

Meanwhile, Anwar said he and the Government Chief Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali had identified several duties that the prime minister can be relieved of.

"I have let go of many duties because some of them can be entrusted to the deputy prime minister," added Anwar.

Muhyiddin was ousted as prime minister in August last year after 17 months in power, when several Umno MPs led by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi withdrew support for the government.

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was subsequently appointed as prime minister and served for 16 months until the 15th General Election in November.

The NRC chairman post held by Muhyiddin since September last year has a minister-level status.