KUALA LUMPUR – Unimpressed by the apparent reluctance of past and present governments to act against Lynas, a PKR lawmaker today demanded explanation over why the rare earth facility appears to be given “special protection”.
An ostensibly frustrated Fuziah Salleh (Kuantan-PH) did not hide her dissatisfaction at how the authorities continue to allow Lynas to operate in the country despite the dangers posed by its radioactive waste.
“One by one, the government has changed but still the problem persists. Why can’t any of the agencies or ministers answer? Is Lynas that powerful?” she asked during her royal address in the Dewan Rakyat today.
“Lynas has never paid tax because they are 100% an Australian company. So why are we defending and protecting them?
“What are you hiding? Who are you protecting? Supposedly those in power should be responsible to the rakyat. The decisions we make should be sustainable.”
Fuziah was raising her concerns with the government’s decision to continue allowing the proposed construction of Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s permanent disposal facility (PDF) in Gebeng Industrial Area in Kuantan, Pahang.
She pointed out that the estate has been gazetted as a chemical industrial site and is not suitable for the disposal of radioactive waste.
The opposition lawmaker added that it baffles her that those in power are closing an eye on the issue, saying future generations will be the ones who will bear the brunt of Lynas' toxic waste disposals here.
“When the environmental impact assessments to build Lynas’ PDF in other locations were rejected, the government just closed its eyes (and allowed for it to be constructed in Gebeng). This is what I don’t understand.”
Fuziah bemoaned that despite having raised issues concerning Lynas for over 10 years, her words continue to fall on deaf ears.
“I even asked Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau (Tuaran-Upko), who previously served as science, technology and innovation minister (from 2015 to 2018), and even he said he can’t answer but acknowledged that Lynas is a sensitive issue that must not be touched.
“I am angry and disappointed. From the government that brought in Lynas until today’s administration, they keep cleaning up Lynas’ dirt.”
Fuziah went on to blame former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Langkawi-Pejuang) for supposedly allowing Lynas to carry on with its operations here when Pakatan Harapan was in federal power.
She said since she was only deputy minister during this period, she was not able to air her views in cabinet and could only speak outside.
“It’s true Langkawi did not want to shut Lynas. He’s not here today, otherwise he can answer why he made that decision.
“Perhaps he was not with us when I and the others were campaigning against Lynas’ operation in Kuantan.” – The Vibes, March 10, 2022
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