KUALA LUMPUR (July 23): The government has invited representatives of opposition parties to be part of the National Recovery Council (NRC), following the council’s inaugural meeting today.

In a statement, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the decision is in line with the principles of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

“In line with the NRP which is based on the principles of collaboration, inclusivity and whole-of-nation, the NRC has agreed to invite representatives of opposition parties, namely Pakatan Harapan, Warisan and Pejuang as NRC members,” said the minister.

The council is also welcoming representatives of the Sabah and Sarawak state governments, as well as professionals from various industries including the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and economic, social and health experts.

These professionals include former minister and Khazanah Research Institute chairman Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, former Khazanah managing director Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes. 

Also involved in the council are World Health Organization Science Council member Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, SME Association of Malaysia president Datuk Michael Kang, Director-General of Education Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim and associate professor in psychiatry Dr Sivakumar Thurairajasingam.

“The membership of opposition party representatives and experts from various sectors will further strengthen the membership of the NRC as well as the implementation of NRP which is dynamic and needs to be adapted based on the current situation.

“NRC hopes that this diversity of opinions and expertise can contribute to, among others, the empowerment of the health sector; increased vaccination efforts; coordination, implementation and effectiveness of SOPs, as well as government support and assistance during the recovery period,” said Tengku Zafrul.

He added that the NRC will publish information relating to the NRP via the official website of the recovery plan, which will be launched on July 26.