Unreasonable to stop Lynas if proven safe: PKR MP
Azan said if Lynas rare earth plant passed all the requirements needed to operate, it is unreasonable to stop it (Graphic by Dayang Norazhar/ The Mole)
Azreen Hani, The Mole
A Parti Keadilan Rakyat legislator, whose constituency is where the Lynas rare earth plant is located, has questioned the rationale of closing down the plant if it is proven to have met all safety and security requirements.
PKR’s MP for Indera Mahkota Azan Ismail said it is unreasonable for anyone to stop the operation of Lynas rare earth plant if it has met all the requirements needed.
Azan said it is also premature for anyone to decide on the fate of Lynas without deliberating on the matter thoroughly.
“I may not be an expert on environmental or safety aspect of the plant like YB Fuziah (PKR’s MP for Kuantan Fuziah Salleh) but I believe if Pakatan Rakyat wins in the general election, it will set up a panel to deliberate on the matter,” Azan said.
“Of course all aspects will be looked into. I myself will bring up on the commercial aspect of this plant. I would want to see whether it will bring more benefit to the people or not,” he added.
“I think if Lynas has passed the panel’s vetting and that of relevant authorities, I think it is unreasonable for us not to allow it to operate.”
The Gebeng Industrial Area near Kuantan where the Lynas Corporation Ltd’s rare earth plant is located in the Indera Mahkota parliamentary constituency.
Speaking to The Mole on Friday, Azan expressed his support on remarks made by opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in an Australian newspaper, saying it is the most logical explanation anyone could give at the time being.
“I have checked and read on Datuk Seri (Anwar)’s statement and I agree with him. I believe it is only logical to allow the plant to operate unless it is proven otherwise,” he said.
