Himpunan Hijau chairperson Wong Tack has rebuked Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for saying he would act against the Lynas plant only if there is scientific evidence that rare earths refining operations are harmful.

NONE Wong (left) claimed that Najib has not studied the anti-Lynas movement’s report on the matter.

 

“This is saddening. The PM has made such statements since the 226 rally (Himpunan Hijau 2.0 rally on Feb 26),” Wong said last night.

 

“He has not read our report. Science (Technology and Innovation) Minister Maximus Ongkili should take responsibility by resigning immediately, because he should have provided the prime minister with facts and figures.”

 

He also said Najib was “too busy surviving”.

 

Wong was responding to Najib’s remarks in an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily , published in yesterday’s evening edition, in which he denied that the government has ignored public objections to Lynas and its soon-to-start operations in Gebeng, Kuantan.

 

NONE Najib said the people should trust him because, as premier, he would not do anything that would cause them harm.

 

"Please furnish scientific evidence to prove that Lynas is harmful. This is the (crux) of the issue. I will only take action if I have sufficient reason to believe that it will affect the interests of Malaysians,” Najib is quoted as saying.

 

“This is my promise. If there is proof to show it is harmful to the people, I will take action.”

 

Asked about the adamant opposition to Lynas, Najib said those concerned have chosen to close their minds and to over-react because they were driven by emotion, rather than scientific evidence.

Saying this was regrettable, he added that the issue involved the livelihood of over 800 Lynas employees as well as Malaysia's image.

The government, he said, could not afford to be perceived by foreign investors as being inconsistent when dealing with such issues.

 

Asked to comment on this, Wong replied, “... this is history”.

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