LYNAS: Rely on Scientific Facts, Not Assumptions - Malaysian PM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Whatever fears over the safety aspect of the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (Lamp) should be based on scientific facts, and not assumptions, said Najib Razak. The prime minister, who is also Umno president, said scientific facts were there to indicate that the plant would not adversely impact the safety of the residents and environment in the area. "The people's safety is our priority, but we must also consider the scientific facts, and not on assumptions or imaginary fear," he told a media conference after chairing an Umno Supreme Council meeting here Friday. The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the Lamp, while tabling its report at the Lower House of Parliament last Tuesday, recommended that a temporary operating licence be issued to the plant to enable it to operate. Among others, the report also recommended that the plant could process raw materials in stages, but in limited quantity, and that it be constantly monitored by an enforcement agency. Najib said, confidence in the safety of the operation was not confined to government supporters but also endorsed by opposition members of parliament, even though their views differed from the parties they represented. He cited Hulu Langat MP Dr Che Rosli Che Mat of PAS who, being a nuclear expert, had stated that Lynas was a safe endeavour and had concurred with the PSC on the LAMP that the radiation level at the rare earth processing plant in Gebeng, Pahang would be insignificant. Meanwhile, on a report that three Singaporean diplomats allegedly participated in the illegal Bersih 3.0 rally on April 28, the prime minister said the foreign ministry would deal with the issue. "The important thing is to determine the authenticity of the report, whether they were merely observers or were involved in the demonstration," he said. -- BERNAMA