Joint media statement by Pakatan Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, 2^nd February 2012:

Pakatan Rakyat opposes setting up of Lynas Corp plant

We, Members of Parliament of Pakatan Rakyat, refer to the approval of a Temporary Operating License (TOL) granted on 1st February 2012 by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) to the controversial rare earth plant in Gebeng, Kuantan to be operated by Lynas Corp.

Pakatan Rakyat hereby unequivocally states our opposition to the setting up of the Lynas Corp plant in Gebeng, Kuantan.

The Common Policy Framework (CPF) of Pakatan Rakyat declares our commitment to the environment, sustainable growth and green development. This rare earth plant will produce radioactive waste which, in no uncertain terms, goes against the very grain of the Pakatan Rakyat CPF in that it could potentially and catastrophically be injurious to human health through long-term, low level, chronic exposure but equally degrade the environment, thereby negatively impacting the economy of this country.

Pakatan Rakyat is also very concerned that a TOL was granted despite:

1. there being no clear indications from either Lynas Corp or AELB if the waste disposal plan complied with recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or not

2. the fact that 1,123 comments and criticisms from the public on Lynas' documents have not been clearly dealt with.

3. the revelation that AkzoNobel, a "crucial contractor" to the Lynas project, has pulled out due to safety concerns (as reported by the New York times on 31st January 2012).

Pakatan Rakyat supports all efforts made by the Member of Parliament for Kuantan, YB Fuziah Salleh, to ensure that environmental justice is upheld for the people of Kuantan and Malaysians in general. This supports extends to her upcoming legal challenge to bring this matter to court, via a judicial review.

Pakatan Rakyat hereby calls upon the Umno-Barisan Nasional Federal Government to immediately rescind this approval of a TOL, for the sake of our future.

* YB Nurul Izzah, Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai
YB Liew Chin Tong, Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera
YB Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Member of Parliament for Kuala Selangor