The Save Malaysia committee may consider taking matters to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if it is unable to make any headway in its on-going push against the Lynas Advanced Material Plant (Lamp) in Gebeng, Pahang.

NONE Committee chairperson Tan Bun Teet ( right ) said they intend to mobilise a major two-pronged move against the controversial project next month, but acknowledged that the ICJ may end up being an option if they fail on both counts.

Their first move will be a trip to Australia by 12 committee members from July 3 to 9 to meet with the country's MPs, environmental NGOs and opposition parties while also to present them - and Lynas Corporation - with Save Malaysia's memorandum against the issue.

The second move will start with a meeting between Save Malaysia and the Malaysian Bar Council on July 15 to 16 to discuss plans to file a court injunction to stop the on-going RM700 million project.

"If the Australia trip and the court injunction fail to get positive results, we may have to consider going to the ICJ," Tan said after a national NGO meeting to brief other NGOs on the potential dangers that come with the rare earth processing facility.

He said if the case goes to the ICJ, they could argue that it would be a "typical case of a developed country bullying a third-world country" into accepting a heavily polluting industry.

"Now it is the people of Kuantan versus Lynas, but if need be, we will turn it into a third-world country versus a developed country."

Mission Down Under

On the recent pledge by Lynas executive chairperson Nicholas Curtis to actively engage the plant's sceptics - particularly Kuantan residents - Tan said the committee more than welcomes the call.

NONE Tan pointed out that while Curtis ( right ) made no mention of inviting Save Malaysia to an open dialogue, he did not discount the possibility of reaching a positive solution for all stakeholders through such meetings.

"We are open to all suggestions. If there is a more economical way to solve this; if we can bring an amicable solution without having to bring in experts from overseas, why not?" he said.

In the meantime, Tan hopes fellow NGOs will help spur a nationwide movement against potential radiation poisoning from the rare earth industry, with Save Malaysia's long-term plan to set up bases in every state to push their message.

He said it is important for the NGOs that participated in today's meeting to educate the people in their home states that the issue is not just about Kuantan.

"We hope the NGOs who attended this meeting here will take the message home, that this is a Malaysian issue and hopefully this way, we can spread our ground support throughout the whole of Malaysia," he said.