Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarians are free to debate the government's controversial decision to hike the increase in fuel prices, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

"They will tell whatever they want to say," he said in response to a question during a press conference at the Parliament building.

He said the MPs could debate the hike during the motion to thank the royal address. A total of eight days have been allocated to allow MPs to debate the royal address, starting tomorrow.

Earlier, the premier chaired a 80-minute-long pre-council meeting with some 200 BN elected representatives including ministers, backbenchers and senators.

It is learnt that Abdullah, who is also finance minister, was quizzed on the price hike and its implications on the people.

"They (MPs) were positive, not just lamenting the fact that the price of petrol had gone up. They are not taking that stance.

"They are taking a specific stance on what should be done, which is commendable and that was discussed just now," said the premier later.

Attempt to pacify anger

To a question, he said BN MPs did not complain that it would be difficult for them to explain the hike to the rakyat since the parliamentarians also understand the difficulties of the people.

"They suggested that the government gives attention to certain areas - we will give attention and take actions accordingly," he added.

However, one of the MPs described the meeting as an attempt to pacify the anger of the representatives, and that they are not to 'add fuel to the fire'.

Most of them are expected to merely speak on how the government should spend the RM4.4 billion saved from fuel subsidies.

Meanwhile, Abdullah also said he has agreed to increase the current Parliament sitting another four days until May 11 since four important bills have to be tabled in this sitting.

These are the controversial National Water Services Commission Act and Water Services Industry Act, as well as amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.

Also present at the press conference were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz and Home Minister Radzi Sheikh Ahmad.