THE government has been urged to set up a committee to deal with issues raised by Barisan Nasional MPs, particularly those from Sabah and Sarawak.

Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chairman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said such issues should include oil royalty, politics, balanced development, public security and illegal immigrants.

He said the committee could look into the issues and propose solutions to the prime minister.

Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, said the prime minister should appoint open-minded, high calibre and wise members to the committee.

He added that as BNBBC chairman, he had the duty to see that backbenchers' requests to help constituents received prompt attention from the government.
Tiong hoped the government would give priority to resolving problems related to infrastructure and basic amenities.

"BN must deal promptly with such problems which can be overcome. The BNBBC will present suggestions from time to time to the government to restore public confidence in Barisan Nasional."

On the Ninth Malaysia Plan, he felt the government should consider putting aside mega projects in favour of using the allocations for projects that benefited the masses.

He said the government should increase allocations for the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to help them implement programmes that would benefit single mothers, orphans, the disabled and senior citizens.