We affirm our opposition to the resumed operation of Lynas’s rare-earth processing plant and are deeply disappointed by the Cabinet’s decision to extend the operating license for six months.
We are of the opinion that the Cabinet should listen to the views of Anti-Lynas Movement. Even though Malaysia is constrained by the Basel Convention and Lynas did not comply with the agreement of transporting the radioactive residue abroad in 2012, what Malaysia can and should do is, at the very least, to stop renewing Lynas Corp’s operating license.
Although Lynas’s license is only renewed for 6 months with three conditions that are a lot stricter than those set by the previous regime such as constructing a permanent disposal facility (PDF), the Cabinet’s decision can hardly allay the public’s concerns and worries.
Over the past 8 years, Lynas has accumulated radioactive residue that has exceeded 580,000 tonnes at residue storage facilities, which is vulnerable to natural disaster threats such as floods. This justification alone is more than sufficient to deny Lynas’s request to renew its operating license.
The 39th promise in the PH Manifesto, namely “Balancing economic growth with environmental protection” which states that:
“All laws and regulations pertaining to environmental management and protection will be revised so that proper governance structures can be created, in line with the increasingly demanding modern times. Strict rules will be enforced to ensure that foreign companies in Malaysia do not contribute to pollution.”
We also question the government’s determination of sending back foreign rubbish but allowing radioactive residue of rare-earth to remain in our country. Such a decision has deeply disappointed many anti-Lynas activists who have been struggling at the forefront for the past 8 years. They are all firm supporters of Pakatan Harapan who believe that Lynas’ plant will be shut down after the change of government. Unfortunately, their sincere wish is not realised.
We also affirm our support to Bentong MP Wong Tack who has always been at the forefront of the anti-Lynas movement. Even though being elected as an MP, he utilises his role as a backbencher and continues to fight for shutting down Lynas’ plant outside the Parliament.
We urge the Cabinet to review its decision that is inconsistent with the will of the people and harmful to the public interests. In line with the spirit of the 39th promise in the PH Manifesto, the government has to shut down Lynas’ rare-earth processing plant in order to gradually achieve the goal of keeping Malaysia as a green and liveable home.
Endorsed by:
SA for Bilut Lee Chin Chen, SA for Ketari Young Syefura Binti Othman, SA for Sabai Kamache Doray Rajoo, SA for Tras Chow Yu Hui, SA for Tanah Rata Chiong Yoke Kong, SA for Mentakab Woo Chee Wan and SA for Triang Leong Yu Man.