Dr M chairs third cabinet meeting

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Here are the salient points of matters discussed and resolved by the cabinet yesterday:

Dr Mahathir (centre) speaking to reporters after chairing the cabinet meeting. — Bernama photo

* Parliament to convene on July 16

* Mahathir will fill up his cabinet by the end of this week

* Finance minister Lim Guan Eng and MACC officials will be heading to China soon with regards to Suria Strategic Energy Resources Sdn Bhd’s (SSER) project.

* Government wants banks to loosen lending rules for small businesses and first-time home buyers.

* Government to review Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

* Former auditor-general Ambrin Buang appointed head of the committee to investigate administrative issues, beginning with the Defence Ministry.

* Special cabinet committee on Indian community to meet soon.

* English language competency test for senior civil servants because they have to hold discussions with foreign parties.

* High-ranking government officials in Jusa A category will be subjected to a 10 per cent cut to their entertainment allowance effective 1 July.

* RM500,000 allocation for Harapan MPs, and RM200,000 for MP service centres to be paid out before Hari Raya. Opposition MPs will get funds as well, but less.

* Health Ministry will look into “skim pedulisihatnasional” and Takaful insurance for the poor.

* Cost of living assistance (BSH) which replaces BRIM would be paid according to the existing eligibility scheme, but subject for review in future.