In a recent International Business Times(IBT) article, it was misreported that Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) has apologised to the Lynas Corporation and has retracted a statement made about its rare earth refinery plant.

The IBT news story is erroneous and factually incorrect because SMSL has made no such apology or retraction. On the contrary, SMSL is determined to defend the right of free speech, and would continue its campaign for a clean and safe future for Malaysia and the families of Malaysian citizens.

Tan Bun Teet, the spokesperson for SMSL said, “I have written to the editor of IBT to seek an immediate public apology and to correct the article. The IBT journalist should have contacted SMSL about it before putting the story out.”

SMSL is committed to fighting Lynas until the end, including the Lynas defamation suit.

The coalition of NGOs pointed out that is the online news portal Free Malaysia Today (FMT) which has chosen to apologise to Lynas and retracted the so-claimed defamatory statement. The portal’s action has no bearing or any association with the current or future direction of SMSL on the Stop Lynas campaign, Tan clarified.

“SMSL will take up the relevant legal action against the IBT if no apology is forthcoming by the end of today and if no retraction is made. SMSL will also lodge a complaint with the Australian Journalists Association which is strict on journalistic ethics and professionalism,” added Tan.

“SMSL remains firm on our stance and our statements about the Lynas rare earth plant because we have reliable information and relevant professional experts to back up our statements in court,” he asserted.

Towards this end, SMSL is highly appreciative of the strong spirit of solidarity and support demonstrated by civil society groups and concerned individuals all over Malaysia and abroad.

The Lynas rare earth project is not just a Kuantan issue as it will affect the whole country. “We should always be mindful of that,” reminded Tan.

SMSL also stated its belief that the 12-year tax break granted to the project is a most ludicrous political decision to be made by the government.

Taxpayers and citizens expect a government to exercise its duty of care to ensure a nation’s wellbeing and long-term future rather than to subject the general public to the hazards of Lynas’ radiation and toxic waste, said SMSL.

SMSL and concerned citizens will converge at the Kuala Lumpur High court tomorrow (July 19, Thursday) from 3.30pm onwards to await the court decision on the Lynas defamation application.

“We welcome a turnout by concerned Malaysians to show Lynas that we are a proud people with integrity and courage. Join us in our fight against the risks and hazards of the world’s largest rare earth plant,” urged Tan.