KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) representatives need not participate in opposition caucuses as they have other avenues to voice their concerns, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

"BN members of parliament, by principle, do not take part in opposition-sponsored caucuses although we understand the issues.

"They have direct access to government ministries and can voice their concerns on issues directly, without resorting to caucuses," said Muhyiddin yesterday, after chairing a National Anti-Dadah Council meeting in parliament.

The BN deputy chairman was commenting on news reports that Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) founder Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah had joined an opposition-sponsored caucus to look into amending the Petroleum Development Act 1974.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told reporters on Tuesday that the Gua Musang MP had agreed to lead the caucus. The Permatang Pauh MP said he would be inviting BN representatives to join the caucus.

However, several news reports said Tengku Razaleigh was still undecided whether to take up Anwar's offer.

"Tengku Razaleigh is an experienced MP, and we'll leave it to his wisdom," said Muhyiddin.

"I trust he understands the implications," he added.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said that there would be no "daily updates" from him on the MCA squabble.

"Let's take some time to cool down. I still need to discuss the matter with the prime minister, who is out of the country now, before making any announcements," he added.

The deputy prime minister said "efforts to reconcile MCA's differences were still ongoing" and the media should be patient.

Muhyiddin also declined to comment on the MCA extraordinary general meeting which is scheduled for Saturday.

"I won't give my personal opinion on this. Anyway, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai is beside me now," he said.

Liow, together with nine other MCA central committee members, are pressing for the EGM to push for fresh polls in the party.

On a separate matter, Muhyiddin said that the National Anti-Dadah Council had proposed to get the private sector to assist in the rehabilitation of drug addicts.

"We hope to get the private sector to create cottage industries which can give former addicts secure jobs.

"There are 800 acres of land used by the 28 national drug rehabilitation centres that can be used to create such industries to employ rehabilitating drug users," said Muhyiddin.

Incentives will be given to private companies which take part in the scheme. Muhyiddin did not disclose the type of incentives.

The council also proposed to train case managers to help with the rehabilitation of addicts, deploy more medical and psychiatric workers and enhance media campaigns to deter drug abuse.