Rare earth theft disclosure not to tarnish Sanusi’s image - Saifuddin

The disclosure of the theft of rare earth elements (REE) in Bukit Enggang, Sik is not intended to tarnish the image of caretaker Kedah menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor but rather to show that there is an issue of administrative malpractice.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said his disclosure on the REE theft issue was just the tip of the iceberg of a series of other disclosures on the matter.

"There is no plot to tarnish Sanusi’s reputation, rather there is a bigger picture involving bringing in foreign workers from China in addition to the arrests and compounds that have been issued.

"The investigation will continue involving several agencies. This is because the first arrest was made last January which then led to investigation papers being opened by the Forestry Department and the Department of Mineral and Geoscience,” he said.

Saifuddin Nasution, who is also the Kedah Development Action Council chairperson, told reporters this after a briefing session on the project to upgrade the Jenun Baru Water Treatment Plant near Pendang today.

He was commenting on media reports which quoted Sanusi as claiming that there was a plan to tarnish his image and attempts to link him to irregularities in the REE mining issue in Kedah.

The media also reported that Saifuddin, while speaking at the Suka Menanti Madani Tour in Alor Setar last night, claimed that the Kedah Menteri Besar Inc was aware of the REE theft issue in the Bukit Enggang area.

- Bernama

Text if I don't answer calls, Sanusi tells MACC

MACC to quiz Sanusi over rare earth scandal

MACC arrests director, MBI Kedah exec over rare earth mining

MACC probes MB over rare earth issue

Saifuddin to Sanusi: Explain China 'visitors' in rare earth project