KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said today he felt that the joint mega projects between Malaysia and China must be reviewed in the interests of the people.

He said almost all the mega projects benefited only one party.

"For example, the local people cannot afford to own property in the Forest City and Bandar Malaysia projects,” he said to reporters when met after a conference at the International Institute of Islamic Civilisation and Malay World (ISTAC) here.

The former foreign minister proposed that a China-Malaysia research council be established to look into various aspects including history, culture, economy, security, diplomacy and so on.

"We must have a clear understanding, especially in terms of trade and security in the South China Sea.

"We also need China’s good offices to provide some research facilities for local universities, including UIAM,” he said. — Bernama