IPOH: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad says he does not need additional income sourced from the lanthanide mining project in Hulu Perak as his current salary is enough.
Saarani was responding to Pasir Pinji assemblyman Howard Lee Chuan How, who accused him of standing to gain from the project.
"I listened carefully to what he said. He clearly said 'nak masyuk' (wants to be rich). No! A Perak menteri besar is nothing like that.
"My salary is enough. Don't accuse me by saying that the Perak menteri besar is crazy about becoming rich with this lanthanide project. No!
"I will remain myself. I will not take part in a business and fight the Perak people just to get income from this lucrative business (lanthanide project)," he told reporters after attending Public Speaking Perak Sejahtera Competition at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here today.
Saarani said the discovery of rare earth elements in Perak could culminate in a new and crucial income stream for the state.
"This lanthanide needs to be taken out so that Perak will have a new source of income. Only then we can deliver aid to schools and mosques, as well as repair roads.
"How much can Howard Lee give (Perak)?" he said, adding that he believed the opposition would use the project in its political propaganda to gain votes during the 15th General Election.