International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed today denied an allegation that he is a spokesperson for rare earth processing company Lynas Corporation Ltd (Lynas).

The allegation was made by Fuziah Salleh (PKR-Kuantan) who said his actions had been described as lop-sided and unwarranted.

Mustapa said the government had put the people’s interest first by holding information sessions for many parties including the public.

“From the feedback received, many people have begin to accept and understand government policy on this project and we will step up the information sesions,” he said when debating the 2012 Supply Bill in Dewan Rakyat.

Fuziah also blamed the government for supposedly not taking into account the safety of the people when deciding to implement the project.

Mustapa said the government never approved Lynas’ licence to start operations in Gebeng near Kuantan until the project met conditions issued by a panel of international experts appointed by the government.

Western Australia Petroleum and Mining Minister Norman Moore also assured that the level of radioactive produced by the project was very low.

“I refer to PAS Member of Parliament for Hulu Langat (Dr Che Rosli Che Mat) who is an expert in nuclear science who said that the project’s radiation is lower,” he added.

- Bernama