He said the special advisory body consists of professionals and economic experts headed by former President and Chief Executive of Petronas Tan Sri Hassan Marican.

Others are FVSB executive chairman Ahmad Fuad Md Ali, Sunway University Economic Professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng, Universiti Malaya Economic Professor Rajah Rasiah and Sarawak Energy Berhad chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi.

“I would like to announce the appointment of five individuals who will be members of a special advisory body to advise me as the finance minister,” he said in a statement.

“I reiterate that they will not receive any payment from the government,” he added.