The DAP and its Pakatan Rakyat allies are ‘not qualified’ to question the civil society committee, which includes Pahang MCA, that has been set up to monitor Lynas’ compliance with the conditions of the temporary operating licence for its advanced materials plant in Gebeng.

NONE“They are only looking to get political mileage out of the issue,” said Pahang MCA chairperson Liow Tiong Lai.

He said the only person in the opposition coalition who is qualified to comment is Hulu Langat MP Che Rosli Che Mat, an expert in the field.

Liow dismissed reports that the state MCA is solely behind the committee, saying the body comprises other groups like the Chinese Chambers of Commerce and NGOs.

“We will represent the people on the ground. We will monitor Lynas over its compliance with the strict conditions of the temporary licence and ensure that public feedback reaches the relevant authorities," he said.

He was responding to aspersions cast by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng on the credibility of the committee, which Liow had announced after chairing a recent state-level MCA meeting.

Asked to comment on the upcoming Himpunan Hijau 2.0 gathering in Pahang, which will be a focal point of continuing public dissent, Liow reserved comment as statements had previously been issued on the matter.