Malaysia will set up a National Science and Research Council (NSRC) to prepare for the creation of a national research system based on science and technology in a more conducive environment, says minister.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr. Maximus Ongkili said here Monday that the NSRC would provide advice and input to the policy-makers and planners and for determining the pure science, social social and national research strategies.
"This is to ensure a cohesive direction, particularly in identifying the R&D (research and development) priority areas based on science and technology in a comprehensive manner," he added in a statement.
The NSRC will also be responsible for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the nation's ability to face the development challenges through R&D, involving various disciplines and across ministries and government agencies.
Mr Ongkili said the NSRC would also assist in determining the R&D priority areas for the high-impact economic sectors identified to be in tandem with the needs of the National Key Result Areas (NKRAs), one of the strategies of Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme.
The proposed setting up of the NSRC was agreed upon by the cabinet last week, Mr Ongkili said, adding that it would replace the National Research and Science Development Council, which was established in 1975.
The NSRC will be chaired by the science adviser to the Prime Minister, Professor Emeritus Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, and the members will comprise the secretaries-general of ministries actively involved in R&D and experts from academia and the private sector