Anti-Lynas campaigner Wong Tack wants to collect 300,000 signatures from Penang as part of environmental NGO Himpunan Hijau one million signatures campaign to "bury" the Lynas plant.

Wong Tack said Penang is well known for its healthier, safer, cleaner and greener campaigns and the state government even tries to pursue the same concept in business.

NONE With the support of the state and  its Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng ( left ), Wong Tack said Himpunan Hijau hoped the bulk of the signatures would come from this part of the nation.

"We hope to collect the 300,000 signatures by Aug 24, one week before Merdeka and we believe we can since Penang is a model (of change) for the nation," Wong Tack said at a press conference in Komtar today.

"We are trying very hard to achieve the one million signatures campaign since it was launched in Aug 1 and in this Merdeka month, we want to reach our target, as this is a very meaningful month for all Malaysians," he added.

Wong Tack said Malaysians should come forward to sign the campaign to get rid of the Lynas Advanced Material Plant in Gebeng, Kuantan, to show their love for the country.

"If enough Malaysians show their concern for this issue which can cause much suffering to the people, we'll succeed in our campaign," said Wong Tack.

"We must show that we can come forward as a united force on this issue. With such as expression of love, the world will respond," he added.

Accompanying him was Lim, state executive councillors Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, Phee Boon Poh, Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik, Bersih committee member Toh Kin Woon and Himpunan Hijau treasurer Winson Ooi Boon Seng.

The Penang government officials later signed the petition in front of Wong Tack and Ooi.

Narrow loss

The Lynas issue was a major election issue in the May 5 polls, with Wong Tack himself contesting as a candidate in Bentong. He lost narrowly to MCA deputy president and incumbent Liow Tiong Lai.

NONE Environmental activists and Kuantan residents are protesting against the Australian company as it has yet to openly disclose plans or location for its permanent waste disposal facility.

Despite the five conditions imposed in the Temporary Operating License issued to Lynas, government ministers have refused to disclosed the location as long as the company can process the waste.

Meanwhile, Lim said that while he was happy that the campaign was launched in Penang, he felt 300,000 was to large a figure to collect in 12 days.

Lim however reiterated that the state would not approve of any firms similar to Lynas to operate in Penang.

" We heard that the federal government is planning to allow two more nuclear reactor plants, we hope they wont be anywhere near Penang,' he said.

Lim refuted the federal government's line that it would have to pay compensation to Lynas should its operating license be withdrawn.

"The company has not revealed where it is going to dispose of its waste, this is contravenes international convention and violates the conditions of the license," he said.

"Malaysia can close the plant without paying a single cent. Why doesn't the government apply the conditions imposed on it to close down Lynas?" He asked.

"This is because there are vested interests involved which is not in line with the nation," he suggested.