Pahang MCA today took a non-partisan approach to the proposed rare earth processing plant in Kuantan, urging for greater public discourse regarding the approval of the controversial project.

NONE Pahang MCA chief Liow Tiong Lai ( second from left in picture ) said they, along with the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Pahang and the Federation of Chinese Associations Pahang, agree that it is incumbent on the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) and Australian mining firm Lynas to convince the public that the project is safe.

“There is no point in convincing me. What is important is to convince the public,” he said at a press conference at the Parliament lobby after the three organisations presented a memorandum on public concerns regarding the project to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Maximus Ongkili at an earlier event.

Liow, who is also MCA deputy president and Health Minister, took pot shots at the opposition for taking advantage of public fears over the radioactive materials that will be handled at the proposed plant.

azlan He said it is important to look at the situation “professionally” and openly, without stoking public sentiments for political gains.

“We don’t want people to exploit the issue for political expediency... if it’s no good, then we say it’s no good. If it’s okay, (then) it’s okay,” he said.

Liow, who was briefed by AELB officials on the reasons for the plant’s approval earlier today, declined to give much detail on their discussions, saying that he does not want to be seen as promoting the project.

“We just want to emphasise the people’s concerns (regarding the project). We will listen (to all parties) and let the public know the situation on the ground.”

Liow noted that as Health Minister, he has made it clear that his ministry will work closely with AELB to strictly monitor the project.

‘Supportive of stringent measures’

He stressed that his ministry has a direct stake in making sure the proposed rare earth plant adheres to international standards of operation at all times, in the interest of public safety.

“AELB has invited us to help them monitor the project. We are very supportive of stringent measures, not just for this (industry) but for many others as well,” he said.

Residents and opposition politicians have raised objections to the proposed plant, citing an earlier rare earth factory in that was closed down in 1992 due to protests over the high radioactive content of the materials processed at the facility.

Proponents of the new plant however argued that the materials that will be processed at the new plant will be far less radioactive compared to the previous plant.

AELB has so far given approval for the construction of the plant but not for operations, but Lynas has already announced that the plant would be ready to start running by the third quarter of this year.

The Australian mining company also announced that the Kuantan plant would be able to generate RM8 billion in annual export revenue from 2013 based on current prices.