Lately Johor PKR chief Chua Jui Meng had told the press that should the Pakatan coalition came into power, they would abolish the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project in Pengerang. It is very difficult for me to accept what Chua has said.

Firstly, the Rapid project is a one that would add values to our petroleum-based products. Currently Malaysia is exporting most of its crude oil overseas, and import most of the refined oil for car use from overseas. The setting up of Rapid will therefore greatly increase the income of the nation through surplus of trade.

The Pakatan coalition which opposes this project is a coalition which ignore the welfare of the people and the progress of the country.

Secondly the setting up of the Rapid project would also benefit the people of this country in terms of transfer of technologies, jobs and business opportunities. More skilled workers and engineers will be needed by the industry. In addition to this, the petrochemical project would also provide a conducive environment for downstream industries to be set up in the vicinity.

The Pakatan coalition which opposes this project is a loose coalition  that cannot see beyond its nose and neither does it have the capability to plan for the future of this nation.