The Pahang state government is ready to bring in experts to brief the people of the controversial rare earth plant in Gebeng, Kuantan, to be build by Australian mining company Lynas Corporation, due to fears of radiation.

Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob, however, said the decision (to bring experts) might not be enough to resolve the issue that has been politicized by the opposition.

"The problem is who do we want to believe. If the government calls in the experts the opposition might say it is not transparent and if the opposition calls in the expert, we may not agree.

"However, we will weigh the option carefully because what is important is the safety of the people," he told the state legislative assembly today.

Earlier, Leong Ngah Ngah (DAP-Triang) had suggested that experts from China be called in to verify the project and ensure that it did not pose a danger to the people.

Meanwhile, Pang Tsu Ming (BN-Semambu) chided the opposition for accepting the proposal when the proposal was brought up in 2009 for approval.

Pang said that the Triang assemblyman had himself not raised any objection when the proposal was tabled but when Kuantan MP Fauziah Salleh raised the issue, the opposition seems to have changed their stand.

"If the Chinese experts certify the project was safe, will Triang support the project even if others rejected," he asked.

Scores of residents from Kuantan had recently gathered outside the Parliament grounds to protest against the controversial rare earth plant in Gebeng, Kuantan.

- Bernama