Kuala Lumpur: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has recommended that the government consider merging the National Professors Council (MPN) with think tanks such as the Institute of Strategic and International Studies and other relevant agencies: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has put forward a proposal to the government advocating for the merger of the National Professors Council (MPN) with established think tanks like the Institute of Strategic and International Studies, along with other pertinent agencies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin emphasized that such a merger would enable the government to streamline its functions as a think tank across various fields. This recommendation is part of a broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and expertise in policy development.

Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin further revealed that the PAC is cognizant of the government's ongoing deliberations on whether to maintain the MPN as a company limited by guarantee or to reposition it under the jurisdiction of the Higher Education Ministry. This decision is pivotal in determining the council's future role and impact.

Additionally, she noted that a memorandum detailing the direction of the council's status has been prepared by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and is slated for discussion in an upcoming cabinet meeting. The outcome of this meeting could significantly influence the structural and functional dynamics of the MPN.

Emphasizing the importance of transparency, she urged the PMO to promptly distribute the memorandum once the Cabinet reaches a decision, and to formally communicate the government's stance on the MPN's status to the PAC in writing.

The PAC's report today highlighted the follow-up actions by the PMO and MPN in response to its recommendations regarding the council. This reflects an ongoing commitment to evaluating and improving governmental and academic collaborations.