In this modern era, critical minerals, especially rare earth elements, have become inextricably linked to national security, economic prosperity, and technological innovation. Crucial for a wide range of strategic sectors, including electronics, renewable energy systems, defense technologies, and electric vehicles, the strategic management of these minerals is increasingly recognised as a global strategic priority.
Other countries, realising the vital role these minerals play, have begun to introduce significant legislation aimed at securing their supply chains and increasing their strategic autonomy. For example, the United States and the European Union have launched initiatives to reduce dependency on foreign critical minerals, outlining their national security implications. Examples include:
| United States | Critical Minerals Caucus, US Congress |
| European Union | European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) |
| Australia | Parliamentary Friends of Resources |
| Canada | Critical Minerals Task Force |
| Japan | Critical Minerals Strategy Group |
Malaysia, with its abundant critical mineral resources and strategic location in Southeast Asia, is poised to become a key player in the global critical mineral supply chain. However, to realise this status, Malaysia must address current policy and regulatory shortcomings; this requires legislative alignment and support, namely from both upper and lower houses of the august Parliament.
Taking cognisance of this, a group of members from the both houses of Parliament came together to establish a caucus concerning critical minerals, which has been informed to the Honorable Tan Sri Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The caucus aims to:
- Develop and implement comprehensive policy recommendations for the exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, and diplomacy of critical minerals to build and ensure Malaysia’s competitive advantage in the global market.
- Increase awareness, strengthen discourse, and deepen understanding of all matters related to critical minerals among MPs and the general public
- Advocate for a legal and regulatory framework that advances Malaysia’s critical mineral sector while ensuring environmental sustainability and national security.
- Enhance Malaysia’s role in global mineral security partnerships and forums to establish the country as a reliable partner in the critical mineral domain.
- Ensure the development of an inclusive sector by engaging various stakeholders and supporting innovation and skill development in the sector.
Stakeholders to this caucus include:
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Economy
Ministry of Finance
State Governments
Today, the founding members of the caucus have held their first meeting in Parliament. We have unanimously adopted and approved the terms of reference for this caucus. The committee election has been conducted by the caucus members, and the results are as follows.
Chairperson:
YB Howard Lee Chuan How – Ipoh Timor (DAP-PH)
Deputy Chairperson:
YB Datuk Wira Mohd Hatta Ramli – Senator (AMANAH-PH)
Secretary:
YB Syerleena Abdul Rashid – Bukit Bendera (DAP-PH)
Spokesperson for Beneficiation and Refining Affairs:
YB Sim Tze Tzin – Bayan Baru (PKR-PH)
Spokesperson for State and Federal Relations Affairs
YB Dato’ Verdon Bahanda – Kudat (IND)
Spokesperson for Downstream Industry Affairs
YB Datuk Willie Anak Mongin – Puncak Borneo (GPS)
Spokesperson for Health and Environmental Affairs
YB Mohammed Taifuq Johari – Sungai Petani (PKR-PH)
Spokesperson for Research & Development , and Stakeholder Engagement
YB Suhaizan Kayat – Pulai (AMANAH-PH)
The establishment of the Parliamentary Caucus for Critical Minerals in Malaysia will greatly benefit the Parliament, the Government of Malaysia and its related ministries, as well as the state governments. The caucus will begin its work immediately, starting with engagement and courtesy visits to related ministries and state governments.
Overall, the establishment of this Caucus is determined to provide a strategic platform for Malaysia to navigate the complexities of the global critical mineral landscape, enabling Malaysia to leverage its resources for economic growth, sustainability, and geopolitical positioning.