The embattled Lynas Corporation has expressed its disappointment with Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for turning down its dialogue invitation.

"Lynas Corporation is disappointed at his dismissal of the invitation and in particularly at his trivialisation of the understanding that Lynas has of Malaysia," the Australian mining giant said in a statement today.

Lim Guan Eng in Kuantan at Himpun Hijau 2.0 The invitation had been extended to Lim (left) in conjunction with his upcoming visit to Australia to discuss 'challenges and opportunities for foreign investors in Australia' with respect to Malaysia and in particular within Penang’.

"(Lynas CEO) Nick Curtis felt that it would be useful for him to get the perspective of one of the largest Australian investors in Malaysia, and also sought to better inform him on Lynas, given his recent comments in the media and public statements regarding the impact of radioactive by-products and the stated lack of overall benefit to the community, resulting from the Lynas' Advanced Materials Plant (Lamp)," reads the statement.

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, had said he is not keen on meeting Lynas, and instead advised the company to speak to its critics in Kuantan, Pahang.

He also appointed Pahang DAP organising secretary Lee Chin Chen to consult the local anti-Lynas group on the dialogue invitation.

Nevertheless, Lynas stressed that the invitation remains open and said it would welcome the opportunity to meet Lim.

"Respecting his position as the chief minister of an important state in Malaysia, Lynas believes that dialogue with a variety of Malaysian leaders will help underpin a strong future in Malaysia and assist in deepening the bilateral relations with Australia to realise the strong potential that exists in this important regional relationship," it added.

'Meet directly with the rakyat'

Meanwhile, at a press conference in Parliament House today, Lim explained his rejection of the invitation from Lynas for a meeting.

“On the matter of the Lynas CEO’s invitation, we have decided that the chief executive should meet with the rakyat who are directly affected (by their rare earth plant).

“He should meet directly with the rakyat rather then meet with Pakatan Rakyat leaders who are only the tools of the people,” added Lim.

He maintained that it is better if the CEO meets the rakyat first.

Lim was speaking after attending the Pakatan Rakyat leadership council meeting in the parliament building.