KUALA LUMPUR: Bentong member of parliament Wong Tack has voiced his anger with the government’s decision to renew Lynas Corp’s operating licence for another six months.
Saying he was “angry and sad” at the decision, he said the decision meant that the government was allowing the country to become a “dumping ground”.
He claimed that over the next six months, even more toxic waste would end up being generated in Gebeng, Pahang.
“In six months’ time, we are going to generate tonnes in toxic waste, which is very sad.
“This announcement is equivalent to telling the world that we are allowing this beautiful country to become a dumping ground.
“How could we do this and allow our children to be burdened by toxic waste that will last for so many years?
“Why are we so stupid? It’s a sad day for us,” he told the New Straits Times.
Wong Tack said the toxic waste should be
sent back to Australia instead of letting it remain in Gebeng, which he claimed could be harmful to future generations.
Wong Tack has been a longtime opponent of Lynas’ activities in Malaysia.
The founder of environmental group Himpunan Hijau has been involved in the protest against Lynas since 2011.
The DAP MP had previously rejected calls by MCA for him to step down, following hints by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Lynas’ operating licence could be renewed.
MCA had said Wong Tack, as well as Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, both of whom were were at the forefront of protests against Lynas, should resign as they had “capitalised” on anti-Lynas sentiments to win in the 2018 General Election.
Wong Tack, in response, had said that he would stand his ground, and that the people should demand that their MPs and assemblymen speak out against Lynas.