After being quoted by national news agency Bernama as saying that most Chinese have accepted the Lynas rare-earth refinery in Gebeng, Pahang, MCA's Teruntum assemblyperson Chang Hong Seong is now claiming his statement was twisted by the media.

NONE According to Sin Chew Daily , Chang expressed regret over some newspapers and news portals which he said had twisted and taken his statement out of context to tarnish his image, saying he reserves his rights to take legal action against the irresponsible reports.

Chang denied that he has said “most Chinese support the rare-earth plant”.

“That day, the Bernama reporter asked what was the current response of the Kuantan Chinese community towards the issue of the rare-earth plant, (and) I only said that 'currently, majority of Chinese organisations are more silent compared to the time when the issue just erupted’, as most of the time the protests are led by Save Malaysia Stop Lynas and anti-Lynas groups, dominated by the opposition,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.

He admitted that he has no right to represent the Chinese community in supporting Lynas, and their silence does not mean support.

“Actually, what I was trying to say was, why is it that so many Chinese organisations protested against the plant in the past, but the voices of protest have since reduced when the plant began to operate. There must be a reason”.

Chang also repeated his clarification during an event in Kuantan yesterday.

“Some even said on the Internet that I was promoted and (had been) granted a Datukship.

“Maybe some people think that I am not qualified, but the Datukship was granted by the Pahang sultan. I hope we can respect (the sultan’s decision),” he was quoted as saying.