MOSTI confused Lynas spin with science - MOSTI failed in its duty of care

Lynas Defamation Suit will spark more protests

Friday June 15, 2012

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Datuk Maximus Ongkili imposed two additional conditions on Lynas’ temporary operating licence hoping that they will calm public’s opposition to the Lynas rare earth refinery project.  These conditions were added in response to three Kuantan residents supported by SMSL who appealed before him on April 17th to suspend the TOL approved by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) on January 30th this year.

Mr Tan Bun Teet, the spokesperson for SMSL commented, “Of course, we are NOT convinced that the addition of the two conditions will do much to safeguards our future.  Didn’t the IAEA made eleven recommendations for the AELB last year? Which of those recommendations has in practice been followed through? Yet the AELB with the blessing of the MOSTI went ahead to approve the TOL for Lynas.”

“The ministerial appeal is a process we have had to follow because without it, the court will throw out our application for a judicial review later.”  Continued Mr Tan

SMSL and concerned residents of Kuantan will proceed to take on the government through the court as soon as the Parliamentary Select Committee has revealed the finding of its inquiry.  In May, SMSL walked out of the PSC hearing because it could not provide the necessary guarantee that witnesses who revealed problems with the LAMP would not face defamation suit by Lynas.

SMSL Supporters to Protest Against Lynas’ Attempt to Gag Free Speech in Malaysia

On another court matter, SMSL and several bus-loads of supporters from different places will converge outside the Kuala Lumpur High Court by 9.30am on Tuesday 19th June to stage a peaceful action.  They have responded to Lynas’ defamation action to gag SMSL from exercising its constitutional rights as a citizens group to highlight the risks and hazards of the Lynas project.

Mr Tan remarked, “Not only has Lynas been aggressive in pushing ahead its controversial project which risks polluting our land, our river and our sea, it is also trying to shut us up!”

Lynas has earlier failed to seek an exparte court injunction to gag SMSL and Malaysian NGOs. It is now trying again through an inter-parte (where SMSL will have the opportunity to defend) court injunction.  Next Tuesday, the court will decide on the injunction sought by Lynas.

Buses are available to take concerned citizens to KL to show Lynas that we will not be defeated. Seats are limited and going fast.  Please SMS your NAME & IC# to 012-989 0687 to book a seat. The entourage will tour Putrajaya following the court hearing.

For further comments, please contact:

- Mr Tan Bun Teet, spokesperson for SMSL, Hp: +60 17 973 0576

- Haji Ismail Abu Bakar, a Kuantan resident who appealed to the MOSTI to suspend the Lynas temporary operating licence. : +60 199530921

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