'Call to set up NOC unsuitable amidst current health, economic crisis' Ahmad Fairuz Othman KUALA LUMPUR: The National Operations Council (NOC), as proposed by some quarters, is not suitable in Malaysia's current fight against Covid-19 and its efforts to revive the economy. Principal private secretary to the prime minister, Datuk Dr Marzuki Mohamad, said the proposal could become a step backwards and inhibit all efforts that have been put in place to tackle the ongoing health and economic crisis. In citing history, he said the NOC was set up to function with absolute powers following the emergency period after the May 13, 1969 riots.