KUALA LUMPUR: The Council of Eminent Persons head Tun Daim Zainuddin confirmed that Tan Sri Robert Kuok will return to Malaysia next week to attend a government advisory council meeting.
In an exclusive interview with Nanyang Siang Pau, Daim said he had spoken over the telephone with the Hong Kong based billionaire tycoon.
“It is not true that he is unfit to travel. He is coming next week and he will be around.
“In the meantime, he has a nominee; Tan Sri Oh Siew Nam, who was with me 20 years ago in the National Economic Council (NEC),” he said.
Kuok was one of Council’s members, along with Daim; former Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz; former president and CEO of Petronas Tan Sri Hassan Merican and prominent economist Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram.
When asked if Kuok will stay in the country for 100 days, Daim said; “No, he got a nominee. In case he is not around, Oh will represent him.”
He said Kuok will advise and give his views.
“He is an expert, especially in commodities, properties and hotel.
“He is an all-rounder; therefore his input is very important.”
On May 12, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the formation of the council that was tasked to advise Pakatan Harapan government on matters pertaining to economic and financial matters during the transition of power period.