Deputy minister's Lynas quip angers protest group
A heated confrontation broke out between Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah, anti-Lynas group members and opposition MPs after the group staged a protest in front of Parliament today.
A heated confrontation broke out between Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah, anti-Lynas group members and opposition MPs after the group staged a protest in front of Parliament today.
Abu Bakar (right) appeared to have ruffled feathers when he said that the controversial Lynas rare earths plant in Gebeng, Kuantan, “is as safe as a kicap (soy sauce) factory" shortly after receiving a memorandum from the group and before reading it.
A heated exchange ensued, which ended in a shouting match between Indera Mahkota MP Fauzi Abdul Rahman and Abu Bakar.
Earlier, after the conclusion of the morning protest, the Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) group, accompanied by several opposition MPs, passed a memorandum urging the government close down the Lynas plant because of non-compliance with the Temporary Operating Licence (TOL), under which the company is required to disclose its Permanent Disposal Facility (PDF).
Abu Bakar, who received the memorandum, immediately decided to make a media statement flanked by the group, and declared the Lynas plant safe, based on his trip there three weeks ago.
"Subjudice" to reveal PDF
After he invited the group and the opposition to visit the plant for themselves, on the Ministry's expense, both SMSL members and Pakatan Rakyat MPs began crowding him demanding more answers and asking questions about the PDF.
It was at this juncture that Abu Bakar said further details of the PDF would not be revealed because it would be "sub judice", referring to the ongoing court case between SMSL and Lynas over the TOL, further riling up those around him.
His supposed media statement soon escalated into a barrage of questions from all directions, and Abu Bakar spent most of his time asking others to "listen" to him.
At one point, he pointed his finger vehemently while talking to PKR's Kelana Jaya MP Wong Chen (above, centre in picture).
This came as Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh (left) attempted to speak calmly to Abu Bakar, but was constantly interrupted by the latter until Wong Chen intervened and demanded the deputy minister listen to Fuziah's concerns.
"Let the lady speak," Wong Chen said.
After arguing with almost everyone from the group who had gathered at the old Parliament lobby, Abu Bakar left after a mild exchange with Fauzi, who is the MP for the constituency where the plant is located.
"Go to hell," Fauzi yelled after Abu Bakar angrily as the deputy minister left the scene with the memorandum.
